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Phytochemical and Physicochemical Characterization of Selected Grass Species and Their Associated Soils from Agro-Ecological Zones of Benue State, Nigeria: Implications for DualFunction Biopesticide–Biofertilizer Development


Authors : Obinna Ofoegbu; Peter Onuwa; Paul Madina; Terkimbi Yaro

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2udy63k3

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/y9ykcpn3

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2158

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Abstract : Grass biomass is a relatively untapped source of bioactive secondary metabolites and lignocellulosic substance that has the potential to be used as feedstock in dual-purpose biopesticide- biofertilizer inputs through pyrolysis (biovinegar and biochar). The aim of the study was to identify phytochemical profile, proximate composition and soil physicochemical properties of the four grass species namely; Imperata cylindrica, Pennisetum purpureum, Bambusa vulgaris, and Panicum virgatum that had been harvested in five agro-ecological zones of Benue State, Nigeria, as a preliminary evaluation of their potential as feedstocks for biovinegar and biochar production.

Keywords : Phytochemical Screening; Grass Biomass; Bio-Pesticide; Bio-Fertiliser; Biochar; Pyroligneous Acid; Guinea Savanna Soils; Benue State Nigeria; Secondary Metabolites; Sustainable Agriculture.

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Grass biomass is a relatively untapped source of bioactive secondary metabolites and lignocellulosic substance that has the potential to be used as feedstock in dual-purpose biopesticide- biofertilizer inputs through pyrolysis (biovinegar and biochar). The aim of the study was to identify phytochemical profile, proximate composition and soil physicochemical properties of the four grass species namely; Imperata cylindrica, Pennisetum purpureum, Bambusa vulgaris, and Panicum virgatum that had been harvested in five agro-ecological zones of Benue State, Nigeria, as a preliminary evaluation of their potential as feedstocks for biovinegar and biochar production.

Keywords : Phytochemical Screening; Grass Biomass; Bio-Pesticide; Bio-Fertiliser; Biochar; Pyroligneous Acid; Guinea Savanna Soils; Benue State Nigeria; Secondary Metabolites; Sustainable Agriculture.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - June - 2026

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