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
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
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.
References :
- Okafor, U.I., Ojobe, T.O., Adie, P.I. (2024). Soil fertility assessment and organic carbon dynamics in Guinea savanna soils of Benue State, Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 19(2), 145–157. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2023.16541
- Oni, O.A., Nkonya, E., Pender, J., Phillips, D., Kato, E. (2023). Trends in crop yield and land degradation in smallholder systems of the Benue River Basin, North-Central Nigeria. Agricultural Systems, 204, 103557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103557
- FAO (2022). State of the World's Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture — Systems at Breaking Point. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
- Brady, N.C., Weil, R.R. (2017). The Nature and Properties of Soils, 15th edn. Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
- Ukwuani-Kwaja, A.N., Mangbon, A.A., Adegboye, M.A. (2023). Soil physicochemical characteristics under diverse cropping systems in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(14), 40332–40347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24625-x
- Tiilikkala, K., Fagernäs, L., Tiilikkala, J. (2010). History and use of wood vinegar in agricultural and forestry practices. Open Agriculture Journal, 4(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874331501004010017
- Ajao, A.T., Mgbole, F., Odebiyi, O.O. (2023). Wood vinegar from fast pyrolysis of Pennisetum purpureum and Panicum virgatum as bio-based plant protection agents in smallholder farming. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 14(7), 2351–2364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-023-02021-x
- Bonanomi, G., Ippolito, F., Cesarano, G., Vinale, F., Lombardi, N., Ranieri, M., Scala, F., Incerti, G. (2023). Biochar chemistry defined by ¹³C-CPMAS NMR dictates its effects on soil organic matter dynamics and plant performance in a fertility experiment. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 176, 108884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2022.108884
- Ronsse, F., Van Hecke, S., Dickinson, D., Prins, W. (2013). Production and characterisation of slow pyrolysis biochar: influence of feedstock type and pyrolysis conditions. GCB Bioenergy, 5(2), 104–115. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12018
- Adetunji, A.T., Ncube, B., Mulidzi, R., Lewu, F.B. (2023). Secondary metabolite profiles and antioxidant activities of Pennisetum purpureum accessions harvested from Guinea savanna zones of Nigeria. Industrial Crops and Products, 192, 116072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.116072
- Varma, V.S., Ramu, K., Kalamdhad, A.S. (2023). Carbon decomposition during vermicomposting of vegetable waste and Napier grass. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(9), 22014–22025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-23722-1
- Lim, T.K. (2016). Bambusa vulgaris. In: Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants, vol. 11. Springer, Dordrecht, pp. 264–285. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26062-4_12
- Eke-Ejiofor, J., Adamgbe, E.M. (2023). Proximate composition and physicochemical properties of Bambusa vulgaris and Imperata cylindrica biomass as energy and agrochemical feedstocks. Bioresource Technology Reports, 21, 101377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2023.101377
- Ezenwa, I.V., Okoye, C.U., Onu, P.N. (2024). Phytochemical profiles and in vitro pesticidal efficacy of Imperata cylindrica extracts against common savanna pests. Crop Protection, 175, 106401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106401
- Ogoke, I.J., Obi, M.E., Ngwu, O.E. (2023). Influence of organic carbon content on secondary metabolite accumulation in savanna grass species: implications for bioproduct development. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 47(3), 312–328. https://doi.org/10.1080/10440046.2023.2194872
- Campos, E.V.R., de Oliveira, J.L., Da Silva, C.M.G., Pascoli, M., Pasquoto, T., Lima, R., Fraceto, L.F. (2015). Polymeric and solid lipid nanoparticles for sustained release of carbendazim and tebuconazole in agricultural applications. Scientific Reports, 5, 13809. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep13809
- Campos, E.V.R., de Oliveira, J.L., Fraceto, L.F., Singh, B. (2023). Polysaccharides as safer release systems for agrochemicals. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 43(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-023-00869-0
- Bouyoucos, G.J. (1951). A recalibration of the hydrometer method for making mechanical analysis of soils. Agronomy Journal, 43(9), 434–438. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1951.00021962004300090005x
- IITA (2015). Selected Methods of Soil and Plant Analysis. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Walkley, A., Black, I.A. (1934). An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter, and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil Science, 37(1), 29–38.
- Nelson, D.W., Sommers, L.E. (1982). Total carbon, organic carbon, and organic matter. In: Page, A.L. (Ed.), Methods of Soil Analysis Part 2: Chemical and Microbiological Properties. ASA/SSSA, Madison, WI, pp. 539–580.
- Bremner, J.M., Mulvaney, C.S. (1982). Nitrogen — Total. In: Page, A.L. (Ed.), Methods of Soil Analysis Part 2. ASA/SSSA, Madison, WI, pp. 595–624.
- Bray, R.H., Kurtz, L.T. (1945). Determination of total, organic, and available forms of phosphorus in soils. Soil Science, 59(1), 39–45.
- NIST (2020). Certified Reference Material SRM 2709a: San Joaquin Soil. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD.
- Harborne, J.B. (1998). Phytochemical Methods: A Guide to Modern Techniques of Plant Analysis, 3rd edn. Chapman and Hall, London.
- AOAC (2023). Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International, 22nd edn. AOAC International, Gaithersburg, MD.
- Idowu, A.A., Ogunkunle, A.T.J., Obatolu, C.R. (2024). Soil organic matter and nitrogen dynamics under different land use systems in the Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Geoderma Regional, 36, e00706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geodrs.2024.e00706
- Tse, E.J.B., Ahile, U.M., Iorlamen, T. (2019). Soil organic carbon fractions and management implications in Guinea savanna soils of the Middle Benue Trough, North-Central Nigeria. Catena, 181, 104085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2019.104085
- Sanchez, P.A., Shepherd, K.D., Soule, M.J. et al. (1997). Soil fertility replenishment in Africa: an investment in natural resource capital. In: Buresh, R.J. et al. (Eds.), Replenishing Soil Fertility in Africa. SSSA Special Publication No. 51. SSSA, Madison, WI, pp. 1–46.
- Adaikwu, A.O., Obi, M.E., Ali, A. (2023). Degradation and management of soil physical properties in the derived savanna of the Benue Valley, Nigeria. Soil & Tillage Research, 225, 105542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2022.105542
- Lal, R. (2006). Enhancing crop yields in the developing countries through restoration of the soil organic carbon pool in agricultural lands. Land Degradation & Development, 17(2), 197–209. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.696
- Bhattacharya, A., Sood, P., Citovsky, V. (2010). The roles of plant phenolics in defence and communication during Agrobacterium and Rhizobium infection. Molecular Plant Pathology, 11(5), 705–719. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1364-3703.2010.00625.x
- Mathew, S., Zakaria, Z.A., Musa, N.F. (2015). Antioxidant property and chemical profile of pyroligneous acid from pineapple plant waste biomass. Process Biochemistry, 50(11), 1985–1992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2015.08.004
- Ndong, M., Guéye, M.T., Diop, M. (2023). Comparative nutritional composition and pesticidal properties of Bambusa species native to West Africa. Industrial Crops and Products, 196, 116559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2023.116559
- Fasuyi, A.O. (2009). Nutritional potentials of some tropical vegetable leaf meals: chemical characterization and functional properties. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5(1), 49–53.
- Timon, V.M., Adewale, J.A., Okonkwo, I.U. (2024). Lignocellulosic composition and pyrolysis characteristics of Imperata cylindrica from sub-Saharan Africa: implications for biochar quality. Biomass & Bioenergy, 178, 106954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2023.106954
- Glaser, B., Lehmann, J., Zech, W. (2002). Ameliorating physical and chemical properties of highly weathered soils in the tropics with charcoal—a review. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 35(4), 219–230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-002-0466-4
- Lehmann, J., Joseph, S. (Eds.) (2015). Biochar for Environmental Management: Science, Technology and Implementation, 2nd edn. Routledge, London.
- Obi, E.C., Anyanwu, D.I., Chibuogwu, I.C. (2023). Phytochemical quantification and bioactivity assessment of grass species extracts for sustainable agro-input development in Nigeria. Heliyon, 9(4), e14891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14891
- Lobovikov, M., Paudel, S., Piazza, M., Ren, H., Wu, J. (2007). World Bamboo Resources: A Thematic Study Prepared in the Framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005. FAO Non-Wood Forest Products No. 18. FAO, Rome.
- Waterman, P.G., Mole, S. (1994). Analysis of Phenolic Plant Metabolites. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford.
- Lal, R. (2023). Sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide into the pedosphere: challenges and opportunities. Carbon Management, 14(1), 2147–2168. https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2023.2195657
- Mehlich, A. (1984). Mehlich 3 soil test extractant: a modification of Mehlich 2 extractant. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 15(12), 1409–1416. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103628409367568
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.