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© 2019 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

INFLUENCE OF BIOCHAR AND POULTRY MANURE ON WEED INFESTATION AND 
GROWTH OF ARABICA COFFEE (Coffea Arabica) SEEDLINGS   

 

 Samuel Fru Billa1+ 
Ajebesone Francis 
Ngome2 
Tata Precillia Ngome3 
Tsi Evaristus 
Angwafo4 

 

1Perennial Crops Department, Institute of Agricultural Research for 
Development (IRAD), Foumbot, Cameroon. 

 
2,3Annual Crops Department, Institute of Agricultural Research for 
Development (IRAD), Yaoundé, Cameroon. 

 
4Department of Fundamental Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bambilli, 
Bamenda, Cameroon. 

 
 

 
(+ Corresponding author) 

 ABSTRACT 
 
Article History 
Received: 13 November 2018 
Revised: 24 December 2018 
Accepted: 30 January 2019 
Published: 29 April 2019 
 
 

Keywords 
Coffea Arabica 
Corncobs  
Cyperus rotundus 
Pot experiment 
Waste 
Nitrogen 
Cameroon. 
 

 
Young coffee plants at nursery particularly after transplanting are very sensitive to 
weed infestation. Therefore, timely weeding is necessary to boost seedling vegetative 
growth. A pot experiment was conducted from 2017-18 at IRAD, Foumbot 
multipurpose research station, Cameroon. The main objective was to assess the 
influence of biochar and poultry manure on weed infestation and growth of arabica 
coffee seedlings. The biochar was produced using an Elsa pyrolysis barrel at 450 0C 
with 58 min carbonisation time from corncobs. The biochar were milled to < 2mm and 
mixed at the rate of 20, 30 and 40t/ha-1 with 40t/ha-1 poultry manure and soil before 
applying to 0.01 m2 polythene bags with five replications. Results showed that the 
20t/ha-1 biochar + 40t/ha-1 poultry manure treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased 
plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, and leaf area compared to control (poultry 
manure only). Treatments with 30t/ha-1 and 40t/ha-1 biochar had the lowest weed fresh 
weight and dry weight. Cyperus rotundus, Oxalis cornoculata and Cynodon nlemfuensis were 
most economically important weeds scored for their abundance and persistence. 
Overall, weed control efficiency was lowest in sole 40t/ha-1 poultry manure and 20t/ha-

1 biochar treatment with 18% and 20% compared to 40t/ha-1 and 30t/ha-1 biochar 
treatment with 35% and 24% respectively. The results demonstrated that combined 
application of poultry manure and biochar appears essential for a sustainable coffee 
seedling production in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. However, to enhance 
coffee seedling growth using biochar, the use of recommended doses is paramount.  
 

Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to existing literature that biochar; a product of pyrolysis 

contains some important plant nutrients and properties which can significantly affect soil fertility and crop growth. 

It further seeks to assess how the growth of arabica coffee seedlings is affected by different types of organic 

fertilizers.  

 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Arabica coffee which is most commonly grown from seeds or cloned plants using cuttings, grafts or tissue 

cultured plants is an important cash crop in Cameroon on account of the export earnings and employment [1-3]. 

Between the two most commercial species: Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) and Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora), 

Arabica coffee provides a superior quality beverage but is less resistant to different pests (fungi, nematodes, and 

insects), compared to Robusta coffee [4, 5]. The caffeine, antioxidant compounds and characteristic flavor of the 

Current Research in Agricultural Sciences 
2019 Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 9-19 
ISSN(e): 2312-6418 
ISSN(p): 2313-3716 
DOI: 10.18488/journal.68.2019.61.9.19 
© 2019 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

 
 
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2935-6054
https://www.doi.org/10.18488/journal.68.2019.61.9.19


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© 2019 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. 

beverage which beneficially influence human health, has been the major motivation for the mass production and 

consumption of coffee [4, 6]. The aroma and flavor which depends on the chemical composition of the beans are 

influenced by environmental factors and agricultural practices that begin from the nursery [7].  

Weeds are a serious concern to crop production and are directly affected by nutrient sources and the amount 

available in the soil [8, 9]. Weeds compete with crops for space, light, moisture and nutrients (Nitrogen, 

phosphorus and potassium) as well as act as the host for pest and diseases [9]. Coffee seedling performance has 

been reduced in quantity and quality by 25% to 30% and in some cases up to 50 % due to native and invasive weeds 

which is much higher than those caused by soil fertility decline, pests and disease [8, 10] Untimely weeding in 

coffee nursery exacerbates competition, reduces crop performance and profitability of coffee production system 

Eshetu and Kebede [10]. Fermont, et al. [6]; Fischer and Glaser [11]  observed that, the interaction of nitrogen 

fertilization and weed infestation is complex and further complicated by soil and climatic factors.  

Poultry manure has been reported as a potential store house of various weed seeds but, the magnitude of the 

weed seed content depends largely on the origin [10]. Poultry manure contains small quantities of essential plant 

nutrients (N, P, and K) compared to mineral fertilizers, but besides the plant nutrients, poultry manure also 

contains enzymes and hormones that are essential for the improvement of soil fertility and growth of coffee 

seedlings [12, 13]. Organic manures and crop wastes are usually dumped around processing mills and farmsteads 

in many urban and peri-urban cities. These organic wastes are also openly burnt periodically increasing the 

problem of environmental pollution with damaging consequences on human and environmental health [14]. 

However, Billa, et al. [15] reported that the use of biochar issued from crop wastes improved the growth of water 

leaf (Talinum triangulare). The thermal decomposition of biomass such as forest residues and agricultural wastes in 

an oxygen-limited environment (pyrolysis) produces syngas, bio-oil, and biochar [16-18]. Innovative use of the 

biochar is to apply to poor fertile soil to enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields and mitigate climate change by 

sequestering the recalcitrant carbon-rich material in the soil [16]. The pyrolysis process physico-chemically alters 

the composition of the biomass producing a highly stable and porous form of organic matter among other benefits, 

improves N-use efficiency and reduces gaseous emissions and leaching [17, 19].  

The inherent physicochemical characteristic of biochar makes it an attractive soil amendment that poses no 

environmental or human health risks when applied to soils. However, the type of feedstock and different pyrolysis 

technologies i.e. fast and, slow pyrolysis, and gasification systems influence the final biochar quality differently [15, 

20]. The potential functions of biochar in soil are manifold such as provision of organic matter, carbon 

sequestration, and soil water retention [16] modification of soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC), supply of 

plant available nutrients [8] and microbial activities have all been described as potential key functions of biochar 

[21, 22]. Research has also revealed that some biochars have larger specific surface areas and degrades easily on the 

short-term [8] obviously influenced by soil type and environmental conditions [20]. 

Studies have shown that the application of biochar together with organic manure and mineral fertilizer (NH4+) 

increases crop yields as compared to the pure fertilizer or organic manure application [11, 22]. The positive effects 

have mainly been attributed to the ability of biochar to absorb plant nutrients and increase water and nutrient 

retention capacity in the soil [12, 19]. As of yet, there is only limited knowledge on the effect of applying biochar 

and poultry manure to soil on the growth of the coffee seedling. It is therefore very likely that different rates of 

biochar applied with poultry manure will differentially influence weed biomass and coffee seedling growth [23]. 

Hence, the objectives of this study were (1) to identify economically important weeds species, and (2) to assess the 

effect of biochar on the weed biomass and the growth of coffee seedlings under nursery conditions. 

 

2. METHODOLOGY 

2.1. Study Location and Experimental Design  



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The study was carried out from July 2017 to January 2018 at the Institute of Agricultural Research for 

Development (IRAD) station Foumbot in the Western Highland agroecological zone (III) of Cameroon. The 

nursery is located between latitude 5°14’-5°48’ N and longitude 10°27’-10°47’ E at an altitude of 1100 m above sea 

level. The area has a montane tropical climate characterised by unimodal annual rainfall distribution of 1713 mm 

with average temperatures of 21 0C. The soil at the experimental site was an andosol soil type, according to the 

world reference base for soil classification. Soils in the study area are highly degraded with low soil fertility, with 

the majority of small households depending on agriculture for their livelihoods [24]. During the dry season, 

wetlands are typically cultivated with tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), and green 

leafy vegetables such as Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) and amaranth 

(Amaranthus cruentus L.). During the wet season (March–September), farmers cultivate maize (Zea mays L.) and bean 

(Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Coffee is the major cash crop of the area and is cultivated as intercropping with bean 

(Phaseolus vulgaris L.), grown in full sun or in agroforestry systems with plantain (Musa sp), Leacena luecophyla, and 

Gliricidia sepium. Shading net made from nylon with light intensity 50% was used as shading in the nursery. 

 

2.2. Fertilizer Treatments and Application 

The treatment consisted of a mixture of biochar (0, 20, 30 and 40 tons ha-1) and poultry manure (PM) 

(recommended 40 tons ha-1application rate). Biochar was produced under fast pyrolysis at 450 0C with the resident 

time of 52 min from corn cobs and ricehusk using an Elsa pyrolysis barrel [20, 25]. The biochar was later milled to 

pass through a 2 mm sieve.  Poultry manure was collected from a local farmer and analysed for chemical 

characteristics before use. The andosol soil was collected at 0-20 cm depth from five different locations over a 1000 

m2 experimental site [14]. The soil sample was mixed and analysed for texture and chemical characteristics. The 

Treatments comprised; control T7 (Poultry manure only): 40 t/ha-1 poultry manure; T1: 40 t/ha-1 biochar+ 40 

t/ha-1 poultry manure; T4: 30 t/ha-1 biochar +40 tha-1 poultry manure; T6: 20 t/ha-1 biochar +40 t/ha-1 poultry 

manure respectively. The fertilization was done in five replications and applied a week before transplantation [15]. 

Biochar and poultry manure were completely mixed with soil to contribute a balanced Ca: Mg: K ratio of 68: 24: 7. 

The soil-filled bags were thoroughly watered to settle the soil before planting. 

 

2.3. Planting Seedlings  

Seedlings of Coffea arabica L. cv. Marcellesa with well-developed and straight tap roots were transplanted in to 

10 x 20 cm polythene bags at the matchstick or cotyledon (butterfly) stage. Diseased seedlings or seedlings with 

either few root hairs or those with bent taproot (J root) were discarded. The seedlings were removed from the seed 

bed by lifting using a stick or trowel to prevent the roots from breaking. Then using either a small stick or a finger, 

a hole of about 50 mm deep was made in the middle of the polythene bag. The seedling was then inserted in the hole 

at one seedling per hole making sure that the taproot was not bent and further lifted slightly to open out the roots. 

All pots were fertilized with urea (46 % N: 0: 0) at 2g/pot in two equal splits i.e. at 12 weeks after planting and 12 

weeks later in accordance with the farming practice. At three months after planting, foliar was applied to all pots at 

60 g/10 L of water every 15 days until the leaves become dark green. During the rainy months from mid-March -

October, plants received water only from rain. However, during the dry spells from November to February, the 

plants were watered manually. The plants were subjected to phytosanitary treatment against insects and fungi with 

callomil+ and periforce applied using a CO2 pressurised precision sprayer, at a pressure of 300 kPa and a volume of 

200 L ha-1.  

 

2.4. Evaluation of Weed Infestation and Plant Growth  

Coffee seedling vegetative growth parameters were collected on monthly bases from all treatment pots. The 

number of leaves, leaf size, stem collar diameter (2-3 cm above the soil surface) and plant height (from the soil up to 



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the apex) were measured using a metre ruler at 3 months after transplanting [10]. Data was also recorded on weed 

control efficiency Equation 1 fresh and dry weed biomass at 2 months intervals after transplanting [10]. Weeds 

were collected beginning at the transplanting date from all pots, weighed and then oven dried for 72 h at 70 OC to 

determine the dry weight.  

-Weed control efficiency      (1) 

Where; DWC: dry weight of weeds in control treatments; DWT: dry weight in biochar treated pots. 

The economically most important weeds in the coffee nursery was evaluated following the criteria of Ngome, et 

al. [26] which include; (1) percentage coverage in the seedling poly bag (abundance), (2) capacity to establish and 

effectively compete with the coffee seedling (aggressiveness), (3) ease of propagation and regeneration (persistence) 

and (4) presence of irritating substances (pines, thorns, stiff hairs) that affect manual weeding (hindrance). 

 

2.5. Laboratory Analysis of Soil, Biochar and Poultry Manure  

The samples were oven dried at 105 0C to constant weight and ground to pass through a 2 mm sieve. Biochar 

and soil pH (H2O) was determined in a 1:5 (w/v) soil: water suspension. Total C was determined by chromic acid 

digestion and spectrophotometric analysis [27]. Organic matter content was determined by the Walkley and Black 

[28] chromic acid titration method. Total N was determined using a wet acid digestion and analyzed by 

colorimetric analysis [29]. Available P was extracted using Bray-1 procedure and analyzed using the molybdate 

blue procedure [30]. Exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and Na+ were extracted using the Mehlich procedure and 

analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.  

 

2.6. Statistical Analysis 

The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for goodness of fit was used to know whether the distributions of the data are 

significantly different from normal. All data collected were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS 

vs. 21. Means were tested using the Tukey test at 5% level of probability. 

 

3. RESULTS  

3.1. Characteristics of Soil, Biochar and Poultry Manure  

The soil analysis show that the soil used in the experiment was loamy sand and slightly acidic Table 1. Soil 

bulk density was also very low (0.74 kg.dm-3), revealing a very porous soil. The high organic matter and nitrogen 

content shows that the soil can be considered as fertile with a good potential for nitrogen mineralization.  

 
Table-1. Properties of biochar, poultry manure and soil at 0-20 cm depth used at the beginning of the experiment. 

Treatment properties Soil (0-20 cm) Biochar Poultry manure 

pH (H2O) 6.24 10.42 8.77 
CEC 10.28 16.78 19.74 
Organic Carbon (%) 22.34 35.61 30.17 
Total N (%) 0.43 4.17 2.37 
Organic Mater (%) 9.41 61.40 26.53 
P-Bray (mg.kg-1) 3.05 12.81 2.53 
Mg2+  (mg. kg-1)  4.93 6.43 0.53 
Ca2+ (mg. kg-1)  1.26 7.83 1.26 
K+ (mg. kg-1)  0.13 4.16 3.22 
Na+ (mg. kg-1)  1.51 5.45 0.36 
Sand (%) 50.68 - - 

Silt (%) 20.32 - - 
Loam (%) 29 - - 

 

 



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Available phosphorous was particularly low, very poor in potassium (0.13 mq.kg-1), profoundly unbalanced in 

exchangeable cation with excess of magnesium and insufficient levels of potassium (Ca: Mg: K) = (74.0: 25.0: 0.7). 

Poultry manure and biochar was slightly alkaline and rich in macronutrients with very high cation contents Table 

1. 

 

3.2. Effect of Biochar on Coffee Seedling Growth 

The mean values of number of leaves Figure 1a, plant height Figure 1b, stem girth Figure 1c and foliar area 

Figure 1d were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in biochar amended treatments (T6 and T4) compared to the control 

treatment (T7).  

 

  

  
Figure-1. Arabica seedling growth response to different biochar poultry manure mixture. Treatments comprised; control T7 (Poultry manure 
only): 40 t/ha-1 poultry manure; T1: 40 t/ha-1 biochar+ 40 t/ha-1 poultry manure; T4: 30 t/ha-1 biochar +40 tha-1 poultry manure; T6: 20 t/ha-1 
biochar +40 t/ha-1 poultry manure respectively.  

 

Results in Figure 1 show significant differences in the coffee seedling growth parameters amongst treatments. 

The coffee seedlings fertilized with biochar and poultry manure treatments had relatively higher (P < 0.05) average 

number of leaves per plant probably due to the production of many leaves on plagiotropic branches, followed by 



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seedlings fertilised 40 t/ha-1 biochar and 40 t/ha-1 poultry manure which exhibited a non-significant difference in 

the average number of leaves per plant Figure 1a. Similarly, plant height exhibited a difference in all treatments 

Figure 1b. The coffee seedlings fertilized with 20 t/ha-1 biochar and 40 t/ha-1 poultry manure were significantly (P 

< 0.05) taller compared in decreasing order to 30 t/ha-1 biochar and 40 t/ha-1 poultry manure, sole 40 t/ha-1 poultry 

manure and seedlings with 40 t/ha-1 biochar and 40 t/ha-1 poultry manure application with the least plant height. 

Same trend was observed in the foliar area development Figure 1d. However, all treatments showed a 

nonsignificant difference (P > 0.05) in the stem girth Figure 1c. The study shows that, the combination of biochar 

with poultry manure is advantageous over the sole poultry manure amendment providing evidence for biochar 

poultry manure synergism [11, 31]. According to Schulz and Glaser [9] it could be expected that, poultry manure 

treatment was rapidly mineralized compared to poultry manure biochar mixtures where nutrient retention was 

significantly more efficient. This fast coffee seedling vegetative growth could also be due to the soil enhancing 

properties of biochar which is rich in cations such as Ca, Mg and K liberated during mineralization [10, 31]. 

 

3.3. Effect of Biochar on Economically Important Weeds  

The economically most important weeds growing abundantly in the coffee nursery are listed in Table 2. Species 

such as Galinsoga parviflora, Ageratum conyzoides, Dactyloctenium aegyptum, Cyperus rotundus and Cynodon nlemfuensis 

were scored largely for their abundance Table 2.  

 
Table-2. Economically important weeds growing abundantly in the coffee nursery. 

Sr. No. Common name Scientific name Family Morphology  

1 Bahama grass Cynodon dactylon (pers) Gramicae  Grass, perennial 
2 Buffalo grass Dactyoctenium aegyptium 

(L) 
Poaceae  Grass, annual 

3 Couch/crab grass Digitaria bicomis (lam) Poaceae Grass, perennial 
4 Nut grass Cyperus rotundus (L) Poaceae Sedge, perennial 
5 King grass Ageratum conyzoides (L) Compositeae  Grass, annual 

6 Sorrel Oxalis cornoculata (L) Oxalidaceae  Broadleaved, perennial 
7 Black jack Bidens pilosa Compositeae  Annual  
8 Purslane Portulaca oleracea (L) Portulacaceae  Broadleaved, annual, 
9 Bitter cress Cardimine flexuosa Brassicacceae Broadleaved, annual 
10 Prostate spurge Chamaesyce maculate Euphorbiaceae  Annual  
11 Common ground Senecio vulgaris Asteraceae  Annual  
12 Gallant soldier Galingsoga parviflora Asteraceeae  Annual 
13 Redroot amaranth Amarantus retroflexus Amaranthaceae  Broadleaved, annual 
14 Wild  radish Raphanus raphanistrum Brassicaceae  
15 Green kyllinga Kyllinga brevifolia Cyperaceae Sedge, perennial  
16 Mimosa  Mimosa spp Fabaceae Perennial  

 

 

Other weeds such as Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria bicomis, Oxalis anthelmintica and Kyllinga bulbosa was scored for 

their persistence (ability to regenerate from stem-cuttings, bulbs, and stolons) Table 2 while Bidens pilosa was 

scored for its aggressiveness. Though Mimosa sp has root nodules that can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil for 

coffee seedling growth, the weed was scored for its hindrance due to the presence of thorns around the inflorescence 

which affect manual weeding and formation of thickets. 

 

3.4. Effect of Biochar on Weeds Fresh, Dry Weight and Control efficiency  

It was observed that the different rates of biochar application significantly influenced weed fresh, dry weight, 

biomass and weed control efficiency Figure 2. Generally, weed infestation was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and 

more severe in the control (sole 40t/ha-1 poultry manure) treatment compared to the biochar fertilized treatments 

Figure 2.  

 



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Figure-2. Effect of biochar on weeds dry weight (a), weeds fresh weight (b), weed biomass (c) and control efficiency (c). Bars with the same small 
letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability level. 

 

Weed fresh weight Figure 2b and dry weight Figure 2a of in treatments treated with 20t/ha-1 biochar + 

40t/ha-1 poultry manure were higher compared to the 30t/ha-1 and 40t/ha-1 biochar and 40t/ha-1 poultry manure 

treated pots, respectively. High weed control efficiency was observed in treatments containing 30t/ha-1 and 40t/ha-1 

biochar respectively and was also significantly (P > 0.05) different from the control Figure 2d. As expected the 

highest weed biomass was recorded from the control treatment Figure 2c. Similar to weed fresh and dry weight, 

weed control efficiency significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with increase in the rate of biochar applied Figure 2d. But 

there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in weed interference between the sole poultry manure and 20t/ha-1 

biochar + 40t/ha-1 poultry manure treatment Figure 2d. The results of this study suggest the ability of biochar to 

reduce weed interference in coffee nurseries. 



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3.5. Pearson Correlation between Coffee Seedling growthParameters  

Table 3 presents the eventual correlation between the coffee seedling growth parameters as influenced by 

biochar application Table 3. 

 
Table-3. Pearson Correlation matrix between coffee seedling growth parameters. 

 Coffee seedlings 
growth parameters 

Plant 
height 

Stem 
girth 

Leaf size Number 
of leaves 

Weed 
biomass 

Weed 
fresh 

weight 

Weed 
dry 

weight 

Plant height 1       
Stem girth 0.851** 1      
Leaf size 0.464** 0.482** 1     
Number of Leaves 0.819** 0.818** 0.514** 1    
Weed Biomass -0.031 0.105 -0.148 -0.206 1   
Weed fresh weight -0.803** -0.781** -0.262 -0.819** 0.224 1  
Weed dry weight -0.519** -0.482** -0.319 -0.635** 0.500** 0.856** 1 

     *, ** Correlation is significant at the 0.05, 0.01 levels. 

 

Positive and significant correlations (P ≤ 0.01) were recorded between plant height and stem girth (r = 

0.851**), number of leaves and plants height (0.819**), stem girth (0.818**), and between leaf size and stem girth 

(0.482**) Table 3. No correlation was observed between weed biomass and growth parameters Table 3. But weed 

control efficiency significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with increase in plant height, number of leaves and leaf size. 

However, there was negative and significant correlation (P ≤ 0.01) between weed fresh weight and plant height (r = 

-0.803**), stem girth (0.781**) and number of leaves -0.819**, Table 3. As expected the shortest was recorded from 

the control. Negative and significant correlation (P ≤ 0.01) was also noticed between weed dry weight and number 

of leaves (-0.635**), plant height (-0.519**) and stem girth (-0.482**) respectively Table 3.  

 

4. DISCUSSION 

The addition of biochar increased the growth of arabica coffee seedlings in the nursery Figure 1. Coffee 

seedlings that were planted with 20t/ha-1 biochar + 40t/ha-1 poultry manure had taller plants than with sole 

poultry manure Figure 1. Fagbenro, et al. [8]; Schulz and Glaser [9] evaluated the effect of gliricidia biochar + 

inorganic fertilizer on the growth of Moringa oleifera plants in an oxisol and found a positive effect on plant height, 

stem girth and dry matter mass [9]. The combined use of biochar and poultry manures had demonstrated benefits 

for soil quality due to the reduction of soil bulk density and the increase of cation exchange capacity as a result of 

the many negative charges present within the organic matter [14]. Moreover, biochar may have also contributed in 

reducing nitrogen loss and N mineralization, thereby keeping the production conditions optimum [9, 13]. 

 In the 20t/ha-1 biochar treatment, biochar amendment could have sustained soil P availability for coffee 

seedling uptake [32]. 

The slow coffee seedling growth from soils amended with 30 and 40t/ha-1 biochar may also be due to the high 

pH of the biochar (pH 10.42). Alkaline soils have also been reported to cause boron and cupper deficiencies that lead 

to poor growth and stunted coffee plants [33]. Cu may have been strongly complexed by the organic matter and 

thus became less available to the coffee plants [9, 33] the reason why foliar sprays are used to supply Cu to coffee 

plants. Cu deficiency compromises the activity of several enzymes that catalyse metabolic oxidative reactions in 

coffee plants, especially the plastocyanin, superoxide dismutase, and polyphenoloxidase [34]. Boron deficiency in 

coffee plants reduces root growth and causes premature death of thin root tips with consequent decrease in water 

and mineral absorption. Consequently, the plants become less responsive to fertilizations and sensible to drought 

[34]. The extremely slow release of nutrients in the high level 40t/ha-1 biochar treatment greatly influenced the 

slow coffee seedling growth [1]. The nutrients contained in biochar and organic manures are released more slowly 

can therefore be stored for longer periods of time in the soil ensuring longer residual effects with improved crop 



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performance [35]. However, the study also supports the findings of Masarirambi, et al. [34] that animal manures 

ensure sustainable crop productivity by immobilizing nutrients that are susceptible to leaching when efficiently and 

effectively used [11, 33]. The observed significant low weed biomass in the 20t/ha-1 biochar + 40t/ha-1 poultry 

manure compared to the sole 40t/ha-1 poultry treatment could be due to the formation of a canopy as a result of 

rapid vegetative growth of the coffee seedlings, providing shade that reduced the growth of important weeds species 

[27]. Hence, the low weeds control efficiency the observed in Figure 2c. Fermont, et al. [6] also observed that the 

use of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer facilitated canopy closure in cassava fields barely three months after 

planting to suppress weeds. The relatively low weed biomass and control efficiency values observed in the 30 and 

40t/ha-1 biochar treatment pots could be due to the general slow growth of plants and weed species in these 

treatments which also explains the reduction in coffee height, leaf area index and stem diameter Figure 1. Spokas, et 

al. [36] studied the potential of biochar for amendment impacts and reported that biochar contains ethylene. 

Ethylene without the addition of microbial inoculums or soil as well as after the addition of water has been shown 

to reduce the height of certain weeds species such as redroot pigweed seedlings [36]. These findings raises 

concerns for the possible complex interactions amongst soils, plants and biochar suggesting that the application of 

biochar may influence weed management practices and thus recommend the need for further research. The findings 

of this study has however shown clearly that amending soils with organic manure (biochar and poultry manures) is 

a veritable alternative in improving soil fertility thus ensuring food sustainability for resource-poor farmers and 

would also minimize the environmental pollution effects caused by the indiscriminate disposal of crop wastes and 

poultry manure [37]. 

 

5. CONCLUSION 

The combined use of biochar mixed with poultry manure enhanced soil nutrient status and improved the 

vegetative growth of arabica coffee seedlings. The application of 20t/ha-1 biochar and 40t/ha-1 poultry manure were 

observed as the optimum agronomic interventions to harness best foliage production and also reducing weed 

infestation in coffee nurseries. This portrays the importance of biochar and poultry manure fertilisation in 

enhancing coffee production in very poor ferralitic soils. Thus, a combined application of poultry manure and 

biochar appears paramount for a sustainable coffee production in the Western highlands of Cameroon.  

 
Funding: This study received no specific financial support.    
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.  
Contributors/Acknowledgement: All authors contributed equally to the conception and design of the 
study as well as reading the draft of the manuscript. The authors appreciate the institutional support from 
the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI) and the Institute of Agricultural Research 
for Development (IRAD). 

 

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