Use of Eco-friendly fertilizers in sandy soils and its effect on productivity and quality of cowpea crop | ||||
| Egyptian Journal of Agronomy | ||||
| Volume 47, Issue 3, September 2025, Page 499-511 PDF (528.33 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/agro.2025.377468.1666 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Reda Essa   1; Ahmed Afifi2
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| 1Field Crop Research Dept., NRC | ||||
| 2Soil and Water Use, NRC | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Low organic matter is one of the main challenges facing successful agricultural production in Egyptian sandy soils. Therefore, adding eco-friendly fertilizers can help to increase fertility in the sandy soil, increase the growth and productivity of crops. This research looked at the effects of biochar, vermicompost, and mix on productivity, quality, and economic profitability of cowpea in sandy soils during two growing seasons (2023 and 2024). The Mixture treatment had the best productivity, with grain yields of 1.06 tons/fed and straw yields of 4.58 tons/fed in 2024, as well as the highest harvest index (20.05%). Nutritional composition assessments revealed considerable gains in macronutrient concentrations, with the Mixture having the highest nitrogen (4.07%), phosphorus (0.65%), and potassium (2.37%) levels in grains. Furthermore, grain quality was significantly improved; the Mixture (50:50) had the highest protein content (25.44%), total carbohydrates (55.79%), and oil content (3.36%) in 2024, outperforming all other treatments. Economic research revealed that the mixture had a higher net income of 20,200 L.E. than vermicompost (17,600 L.E.) and Biochar (18,440 L.E.). These enhancements are related to the complementing actions of biochar and vermicompost. Biochar improves soil physical qualities such as water retention and aeration, whilst vermicompost offers a rich supply of nutrients and promotes microbial activity. The results highlight the potential for organic amendments to increase crop yield, quality, and economic returns in nutrient-deficient sandy soils. This strategy is consistent with sustainable agricultural principles. So, more studies are needed to investigate long-term impacts in various agro ecosystems. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Biochar; Cowpea; Mixture; Quality; Vermicompost | ||||
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