ABSTRACT

Amaranthus and other vegetable crops are grown by small-scale farmers in Ghana’s northern area, where a variety of chemical fertilizers are also used to enhance the plants’ nutritional makeup and nutrient intake. The study assessed the effects of applying endophytes (biotango and bioensure) with different rates of rice husk biochar on Amaranthus’s nutritional content and nutrient uptake. Five treatments 90% soil + 10% biochar + endophytes, 50% soil + 50% biochar + endophytes, 75% soil + 25% biochar + endophytes, 90% soil + 10% biochar + endophytes, and control (100% soil). were used in a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design: The combined application of endophytes and varying rates of rice husk biochar had a substantial impact on the nutritional composition and nutrient uptake of amaranthus, according to the results. The highest levels of uptake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen were seen in the treatment that consisted of 75% soil and 25% biochar and endophytes. The Amaranthus plants’ ash, protein, fiber, moisture, fat, and carbohydrate content all improved the most as a result of this combination. Endophytes and biochar-treated plots improved nutrient availability, absorption, and general plant health, resulting in higher-quality produce. In order to maximize amaranth’s productivity and nutritional value, sustainable agriculture strategies can be developed with the help of these discoveries.

Problem Statement and justification

The integration of endophytes and biochar into farming systems has emerged as a promising approach to improve plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. Endophytes help plants resist environmental stress, while biochar enhances soil health and nutrient retention. However, there is limited research on the combined effect of these two inputs, especially on nutrient composition and uptake in amaranth, a highly nutritious leafy vegetable.

This study explores how different rates of rice husk biochar, when applied alongside endophytes, influence nutrient dynamics in amaranth. Understanding this relationship is essential, as biochar’s effectiveness may depend on the presence of endophytes, which interact with soil nutrients and plant roots. The findings will help identify optimal application rates that boost nutrient uptake and plant growth.

The research is significant for addressing key knowledge gaps in sustainable agriculture. By evaluating the synergistic effects of endophytes and biochar, this study could lead to evidence-based practices that increase amaranth yields and improve soil fertility. Ultimately, it aims to support food security and promote environmentally friendly farming by recommending effective, organic soil amendments to smallholder farmers.

FINDING

The study showed that the application of endophytes along with varying amounts of rice husk biochar had a substantial impact on amaranthus’s nutritional content and nutrient absorption. The Amaranthus plants showed the highest levels of nutrient absorption and the biggest gains in nutritional quality in the treatments that consisted of lower rate of biochar application 10% and 25% and endophytes. Endophytes and biochar worked in concert to improve nutrient availability, absorption, and general plant health, resulting in higher-quality nutrition. In order to maximize amaranth’s production and nutritional value, sustainable agriculture strategies may be developed with the help of these discoveries.

Table 1: Various Treatment Effect on the Soil Nutrient Uptake

Treatment Description	N (%)	P (mg/kg)	K	Ca	Mg
Control	0.1684	5.03	2.334	25.437	11.183
Soil + endophyte	0.2744	6.64	4.461	21.68	13.183
50% soil + 50% rice husk biochar + endophyte	0.2475	6.56	4.108	23.22	17.265
75% soil + 25% biochar + endophyte	0.2994	6.74	4.081	24.805	15.520
90% soil + 10% biochar + endophyte	0.2891	6.89	3.402	21.187	14.829