Effects of organic mulch on soil properties and yield composition of groundnut on a typical latosol

Given the deficient nature of the Liberian soil (low N, P, K and acidic soil condition), a field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 at the College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development Experimental Field using Biochar, Sawdust and Straw as organic mulches at different rates, 800 g/ha and 1200 g/ha each and a control in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The aim was to determine the effect of organic mulch application on the physico-chemical properties of the soil and its impact on the yield of groundnut. Results indicated that sawdust, Biochar and straw enhanced the physico-chemical properties of the soil with increase in NPK (55.6 - 61.75 N; 12.4 – 61.75 P and 0 – 160.55 K) which positively impacted soil moisture, organic matter contents, soil bulk density, soil pH (5.46-6.8) and soil temperature which favor groundnut growth. Thus, application of sawdust, Biochar and straw as organic mulches have the potential to significantly impact the physico-chemical properties of the deficient Liberian soil.