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The decline in crop yields is attributed to uneven chemical fertilization practices and poor soil fertility. From a sustainability perspective, the application of beneficial microorganisms alongside a blend of inorganic and organic fertilizers significantly influences crop productivity and food security. Concerns within the scientific community arise from the haphazard and negligent use of fertilizers. Farming communities predominantly reliant on chemical fertilizers often overlook the application of organic alternatives, leading to a gradual decline in soil organic matter and native nutrient levels, ultimately resulting in decreased crop yields. In diverse cropping systems, the amalgamation of chemical, biological, and organic sources sustains soil health, replenishes nutrients, and optimizes crop yields. Plant residues enhance soil microbial activity, expedite nutrient cycling and availability, and aid in preserving soil health through carbon sequestration. Regular utilization of plant residues and other organic materials enriches soil organic matter content, enhancing soil health and productivity. Integrating organic and chemical fertilizers presents a potential avenue to enhance maize and soybean yields in maize-wheat cropping systems, subsequently benefiting wheat crop productivity and profitability. The efficacy of specific soil nutrients can be heightened by combining organic sources with various chemical fertilization techniques. Hence, incorporating phosphorus fertilization alongside phosphorus-mobilizing and solubilizing agents (such as Trichoderma & PSB), along with the integrated management of peach waste materials including residues, compost, and biochar, is imperative for promoting crop growth, increasing seed yields, and fostering environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of okra's importance to food security in developing countries, its production is limited by low soil nutrient and health status. A screenhouse study examined soil chemical properties, okra growth and yield under complementary application of biochar, organic and inorganic fertilizer in an Ultisol. The treatments comprised 5 kg soil each amended with 5 t biochar ha−1, 5 t poultry manure compost (SPM) ha−1, urea at 56 kg N ha−1, urea (28 kg N ha−1) + 5 t biochar ha−1, 5 t ha−1 (2:1, PM: biochar) (SPMB), urea (28 kg N ha−1) + 5 t ha−1 (2:1, PM: biochar) (SPMBF2). The treatments, replicated thrice, were arranged in a completely randomized design. There were two sets of plants terminated at 50% flowering (dry matter yield (DMY) and nutrient uptake) and at 10 wk post-planting for growth and yield determination. Results revealed that soil chemical properties, okra growth and yield increased responsively to the organic amendments. The SPM, followed by SPMB and SPMBF, enhanced soil pH (0.18–0.19 unit), total N (79–100%), organic carbon (75–100%), available P (55–58%) and exchangeable cations over the control and others (p < 0.05). These treatments also increased the plant's agronomic parameters: plant height (10–19%), number of leaves, leave area (21–31%), stem girth (33–51%), DMY (59–67%), and tissue Ca, Mg and K. The SPMBF2 – treated soil had the highest fruit yield (45 g pot−1). Conclusively, sole and complementary applications of biochar and compost improved soil chemical properties, and okra growth and yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to explore how phosphoric acid-modified rice husk biochar (PBC) affects the growth and concentrations of essential and non-essential elements in two crops: lettuce as the primary crop and arugula as the secondary crop. The treatments consisted of a no P fertilized control and 250 mg P kg−1 sourced either from PBC, triple super phosphate (TSP) or phosphoric acid (PA). When subjected to phosphorus (P) sources, both lettuce and arugula exhibited a noteworthy rise in their dry weights compared to the control plants. PBC treatments significantly increased P concentration in both plants. Although the PBC treatment decreased lettuce nitrogen (N) concentration, it had no impact on arugula N concentration. Phosphorus treatments resulted in a decrease in lettuce K concentration, whereas it increased in arugula. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) concentrations in both plants were not affected by P sources. The zinc (Zn) concentrations of the plants notably decreased with P treatments. Moreover, P treatments led to a reduction in manganese (Mn) concentration specifically in arugula. PBC significantly increased the silicon (Si) concentrations of lettuce plants. The application of PA significantly increased the vanadium (V) concentration in arugula. Phosphoric acid treatments resulted in an increase in the plant bromine (Br) concentrations. To conclude, PBC may serve as an alternative P source, potentially being as effective as or even more effective than other P sources in influencing plant nutrition, without causing an undesirable elevation of non-essential elements in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, biochar has garnered significant interest as a viable remedy for enhancing soil quality and elevating crop output in problematic soils. This article delves into the repercussions of biochar on vegetable production in challenging soils, exploring its capacity to improve plant growth, nutrient accessibility, and its influence on soil microbial communities. A meticulous evaluation of pertinent literature exposes that the impacts of biochar on vegetable crop production can vary, contingent upon factors like biochar composition, application dosage, and crop variety. Moreover, biochar has the potential to interact with other soil additives and fertilizers, potentially influencing its efficacy. This research presents insights into the existing knowledge voids crucial for a more thorough understanding of the mechanisms through which biochar influences vegetable production in challenging soils. The primary focus of this paper is to emphasize the capability of biochar in ameliorating soil fertility and boosting vegetable yields in challenging soils, with an emphasis on the importance of further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a carbon-rich product obtained by biomass pyrolysis and is considered as a means of carbon sequestration. However, there is limited knowledge regarding responses of soil respiration and C-cycle enzyme activities to BC in a calcareous soil. In this study, different biochar AS, TS, PP, CS were applied to the soil at different rates (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) The highest increase in soil organic C content was observed in the TS treatment, while the AS treatment caused a slight increase of soil organic C. The highest MBC content was recorded in AS treatment and the lowest was observed in TS. The highest CO2-C emission was recorded in the TS treatment. In contrast, the lowest CO2-C emission was observed in the PP treatment due to its high recalcitrant C content and was attributed to a positive priming effect, stabilizing BC mineralization to improve the soil. The highest β-galactosidase enzyme activity was observed in the CS treatment and the lowest activity was observed in AS. The highest change in β-glycosidase enzyme activity was observed of PP treatment and the lowest was in AS biochar application. Thus, TS treatment is recommended to increase the organic C content of soils, and the PP biochar can be used to reduce CO2-C emission. The TS, PP, and CS can be applied to increase enzyme activities. The study clearly shows that the addition of BC to arid soils may have a high potential to improve soil enzyme activities and subsequent carbon sequestration and biochemical cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major environmental problem that adversely affects plant growth by increasing soil osmotic pressure and disrupting plant nutrition. Using organic amendments is a viable tool for reducing physiological and morphological effects of excessive soil salinity on plants. To show the impacts of tea waste, compost and biochar on nutrient status and growth parameters of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) raised in salinity conditions, this study has employed factorial CRD with two treatments involving soil salinity (2.5 and 8 dS m−1) and organic materials (spent tea waste (STW), spent tea waste compost (STWC) and spent tea waste biochar (STWB)) at 0 and 3% w/w in three replications. As soil salinity increased from 2.5 to 8 dS m−1, fresh weight and dry matter production decreased by 31.5% and 30.4%, respectively. Phosphorous and potassium concentrations in plant tissue also decreased significantly due to the increase in salinity. Organic amendments (except STW) due to their physicochemical properties increased the nutrients uptake and growth parameters of the plant. Compared to other amendments, biochar reduced salinity effects on plant growth more effectively, which is possibly due to its high nutrient adsorbing and water holding capacity. In saline conditions, the highest potassium to sodium ratio belonged to the biochar treatment, which was 3.22 and 2.78 times greater than spent tea waste and compost, respectively. Therefore, it was preferred to change the spent tea waste into biochar before being used as soil amendment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Prosopis koelziana genus, a member of the Fabaceae family, is crucial to the ecology and economy of arid areas. It is commonly used to restore deserts, forests, and degraded soil with low fertility and high salt concentration. However, recent studies found that the seedlings of P. koelziana are highly susceptible to salinity stress despite having a high tolerance to it. To address this issue, an experiment was conducted to determine if plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) pretreatment and biochar application could enhance the seedlings' tolerance to saline conditions. The research showed that salinity stress decreased seedling growth but increased proline content, soluble sugar content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Na+ ions increased in plants under salt stress, while K+ ions decreased. The results indicated that the pretreatment of plants with biochar and bacteria increased the fresh weight of seedlings by about 23%, 58%, and 50% in 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl, respectively, compared with non-pretreated plants. Biochar and bacteria application also increased the proline content by about 62%, 46%, 32%, and 45% in 0, 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl. This experiment showed that bacteria and biochar pretreatment of plants reduced oxidative stress and sodium uptake (20%, 28%, and 10% decrement of root Na uptake in 200, 400, and 600 mM NaCl). Therefore, these two bio stimulators should be used together for more significant effects on the salinity mitigation of P. Koelziana seedlings and the production of resistant seedlings that have a high ability to transfer to the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global mines of phosphates, which are a main source for the manufacturing of phosphorus (P)-fertilizers, are running out. To solve this problem, the recovery of P by struvite (NH4MgPO4·6H2O) precipitation as a slow-release P-fertilizer (SRPF) has been a growing interest of recent research. This study aimed to assess the effect of struvite/biochar composites as SRPFs on the growth yield, nutrient uptake responses of maize in two soils (with different amounts of calcium carbonate equivalent), and calculation of P use efficiency indices. The greenhouse experiment was designed with six P fertilizer treatments, i.e. triple super-phosphate (TSP), four types of struvite/biochar composites (S/G0, S/G25, S/G50, and S/G75), and control (no P fertilizer applied) with three replication. Results showed that struvite/biochar composite with high amounts of biochar i.e. S/G75 is the best treatment for improving biomass's of maize (63 and 39%), plant height (25 and 16%), SPAD value (31 and 26%) compared to control and TSP in soil-1 with the low amount of calcium carbonate equivalent, respectively. Applying S/G75, S/G50, S/G25, and S/G0 composites, and TSP concentration of P increased by 2, 1.85, 1.76, 1.73, and 1.34 times over control in soils, respectively. Using of composites significantly influenced P uptake, and recovery efficiency of P by plants, while the S/G75 composite was showed superior to other P-fertilizers. Overall, the struvite/biochar composites showed great potential as efficient SRPF for enhanced maize growth, and the presence of biochar in struvite composite with high amount (S/G75) increased the efficiency of fertilization in calcareous soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different locally available organic wastes like briquettes, biochar, paddy, and maize straw in combination with coco peat used as standard soilless growing media, for growing tomato under poly nethouse. The experiment layout was completely randomized design with three replications comprising of eleven treatments viz. 100% cocopeat (T1), 25% paddy straw + 75% cocopeat (T2), 50% paddy straw + 50% cocopeat (T3), 75% paddy straw + 25% cocopeat (T4), 100% straw (T5), 50% briquette + 50% cocopeat (T6), 100% briquettes (T7), 25% biochar + 75% cocopeat (T8), 50% biochar + 50% cocopeat (T9), 75% biochar + 25% cocopeat (T10), and 100% biochar (T11) during first season. During second year, treatments were modified to 25% briquette + 75% cocopeat (T7), 25% maize straw + 25% paddy straw + 50% cocopeat (T8), 25% maize straw + 50% paddy straw + 25% cocopeat (T9), 50% maize straw + 50% cocopeat (T10), 100% maize straw (T11), and 100% soil (T12). The results revealed that maximum fruit yield per plant recorded in the treatment T1 (100% cocopeat) was significantly higher as compared to all other treatments during the first year of study. However, during the second year, it was statistically at par with T6 and T7 but significantly higher as compared to other treatments. When 25 to 50% substitution of cocopeat was done with paddy straw briquettes or 25% paddy straw + 75% cocopeat was used, the quality parameters were comparable to 100% cococpeat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application in agricultural soils can be highly beneficial to crop productivity in numerous ways. Rhizosphere nutrient dynamics and its relation to nutrient uptake of crops under biochar amendment remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the combined effect of biochar application and incubation on growth, yield, and rhizosphere nutrient availability of soybean (Glycine max L.) plant. A pot experiment was conducted with two biochar applications (with and without biochar) and two incubation conditions (with and without incubation) in a glasshouse. A separate soil column leaching experiment was conducted to test the nutrient retention ability of soil once biochar is amended. Irrespective of the incubation condition, biochar application made a significant increase in pod dry weight. The total nutrient uptake by soybean greatly increased under biochar amendment compared with the plants grown without biochar. When incubation is not done, soybean increased its P and K uptake respectively by 52% and 48% under biochar amendment compared to those without biochar. With incubation, the relevant increases were 42% and 32% respectively. The results from soil column leaching experiment suggest that the application of biochar in planting media could be an effective way to retain soil N by reducing the leaching losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil pollution is an increasing environmental problem in all developing countries. Salinity and heavy metal stress increase the oxidative stress in plants and lead to the increased production of reactive oxygen species, decreases the production of anti-oxidant enzymes and decreases the rate of plant growth. In the current study, pea plants were grown in the botanical garden GCU, Lahore under stress of salinity and copper. In second stage, these plants were given the treatments of silicon nanoparticles and silicon nano-doped biochar. The salinity and copper effects were observed on different parameters of plant growth. Silicon nanoparticles and silicon-doped biochar proved to be the most effective in improving seedling fresh weight (70%) shoot length (68%), vitality index (82%), germination percentage (16%), seed vigor index (38%), and chlorophyll content (46%) under salinity and copper stress. Biochar, on the other hand, effectively improved root length (37%), total seedling length (55%), germination index (10%), and catalase (21%). Silicon nanoparticles and biochar proved to be most effective in decreasing total phenolics (11%) and total protein content (13%). Therefore, it is concluded that the application of Si-NPs and silicon-doped biochar can enhance plants resistance against saline-sodic and metal contaminated soil and can mitigate these stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their extensive use in wastewater treatment, biochar/layered double hydroxides (BC/LDHs) may serve as novel growing media (GM) amendments for horticultural farming. In the present study, GM was supplemented with BC/LDHs at three application rates [0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% (wt/wt)] denoted as BC/LDHs0, BC/LDHs2.5, and BC/LDHs5.0, respectively, and successive changes in the physiochemical properties of GM were evaluated. The experimental results indicated that at the end of the incubation period, GM was vastly stimulated after BC/LDH amendments, particularly in the case of BC/LDHs5.0, where the pH (7.05) and electrical conductivity (0.43 dS/m) were in accordance with the optimal criteria for soilless cultivation. Moisture content, bulk density, total porosity, and water retention were also improved after BC/LDH remediation although there were insignificant differences among individual dosages for the last two indices. Although increased amendment levels did not benefit total carbon and nitrogen, the maximum efficiency that was reflected in an enhancement of at least 86% in phosphorus, magnesium, and aluminum contents was derived from BC/LDHs5.0. Nevertheless, due to an overriding concern over aluminum interference, BC/LDHs2.5 was recommended given its non-significant difference with non-amendment. Such positive effects of BC/LDHs, on a wide range of GM quality indicators, signify their potential in amendment applications. This study not only provides an alternative approach for the reuse of plant-essential nutrients, but also a means to facilitate sustainable adsorbent waste management, through the extended applicability and validity of BC/LDHs and their utilization in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus is an invasive weed, produces a lot of non edible biomass that is hazardous to humans. This study provides an insight to its beneficial use by converting the biomass into value-added materials like compost and biochar and subsequent amendment in soil as fertilizer. The biochar was prepared in a locally fabricated charcolator while the compost was prepared in a rolling tumbler. Two-year field experiment was set up using different combinations of biochar (BC), compost (C) and commercial fertilizer (CF) in the rice-wheat cultivation system in Lahore, Pakistan to assess soil health and crops performance after characterizing the products using advanced analyses. GCMS analysis has revealed the presence of stigmasterol and campesterol (plant growth promoters) in prepared compost. Field data showed that the combined application of compost and biochar in rice and wheat fields significantly improved the characteristics of soil like SOM and CEC. Agronomic characteristics such as the number of grains per tiller, grain weight and biological yield were significantly higher in C + CF (half dose of each) and almost equal to CF in the first year. In the second year, both crops agronomic performance was considerably more evident and pronounced following the same pattern. All other agronomic features also followed the same pattern. Thus, mixed application of organic and inorganic fertilizer on recurrent basis is recommended to improve yield of wheat and rice along with soil amelioration in the rice wheat cultivation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental field was carried out to study the effect of soil bio-fertilizers (biochar and vermicompost) and foliar application of some potassium sources (K-nano, K-nitrate, K-sulfate, K-chloride, K-humate, and K-silicate) on the growth, flowering, bulbs production, leaf minerals content, and some bulb active ingredients of Narcissus tazetta L. cv. cheerfulness bulbs, during two successive seasons (2019–2020 and 2020–2021). The results showed that foliar application of different potassium sources and soil treated by bio-fertilizers significantly affected growth, flowering, and bulb production compared to control. The highest values of vegetative growth, flowers, and bulbs quality (plants height, large leaves, leaves number/ plant, leaves fresh and dry weights, vase life, bulbs yield, and root length), as well as total chlorophylls, carbohydrates content of leaves, and mineral content of bulbs were obtained when plants sprayed by K-nano or K-humate and soil treated by vermicompost. Also, the higher values of active ingredients in bulbs, especially total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were recorded when plants were sprayed with K-chloride. So, it can be concluded that foliar application of K-nano or K-humate and soil treated by vermicompost can be used as a partial substitution of the recommended soil amended for increasing nutrient uptake and thus stimulating growth, flowering, and bulbs yield of N. tazetta. In addition, vermicompost combined with K-nano or K-humate can be used to enhance the agronomic performance and bestow resilience and sustainability to plant production by sustaining soil biological activity and it is recommended as eco-friendly management in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inability of humans and many farm animals to synthesize certain amino acids has long triggered tremendous interest in increasing the levels of these so-called essential amino acids in crop plants. Hence, a two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of straw mulch (8 t ha−1) and biochar applied at various rates (0, 4, 12, 36 t ha−1) on the chlorophyll, photosynthesis, total nitrogen in soil, essential and nonessential amino acid (AA) contents of maize grain. The maize straw mulch and biochar significantly increased chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis rate of maize crop and total soil nitrogen. The application of biochar (12 t ha−1) increased the chlorophyll contents and photosynthesis rate and total soil nitrogen during both years. However, excessive biochar applications (more than 12 t ha−1) had negative effects on chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis rate of maize crop and total soil nitrogen of soil. The AAs were significantly affected by biochar, depending on the application rate. In conclusion, the application of straw mulch and biochar improved the rate of leaf chlorophyll contents, photosynthesis rate and amino acid contents in maize grain when applied at appropriate rates, but the effects were negative when biochar was overused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biochar in combination with mineral or biological amendments to improve its influence on soil-plant properties has received growing attention. The changes of nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus content in Lactuca sativa var. capitata aboveground plant biomass and soil after the addition of beech wood biochar combined with the addition of bacterial inoculums (Bacofil and Novarefm) and nitrogen fertilizer have been studied using spectrophotometry methods. Pots were filled with the arable soil from the plots in the protection zone of water sources (Březová nad Svitavou, South Moravia, Czech Republic). Biochar with inoculums decreased plant growth in the first yield of Novaferm treatment and both yields of Bactofil treatment. Increased plant biomass growth was observed with Novaferm addition in the second yield. Total nitrogen increase has been obtained in the plant aboveground biomass and soil of the treatments amended with inoculums and nitrogen fertilizer. The decrease of phosphorus content has been observed in plant aboveground biomass in the biochar amended samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-black carbon is a high carbonate modification created by the absence of oxygen or limited supply of a wide variety of feedstocks. Nano-black carbon typically has a high level of area, capacity for cation exchange, reactive functional groups, and highly reactive carbon. Due to these characteristics, Nano-black carbon has been widely associated with multiple abiotic stress reductions to enhance crop growth, development, production, soil fertility, and soil quality. Nano-black carbon application in agriculture possesses the potential to tolerate abiotic stress. Organic biomass thermal degradation in limited oxygen forms a solid coproduce known as Nano-black carbon (biochar). There is a growing interest worldwide in Nano-black carbon application in agriculture and farm produce. The main reasons for Nano-black carbon application in agriculture and cultural practices might be due to (a) a source of renewable biofuels and carbon sequestration (ii) Many biomass waste materials can be treated by pyrolysis and thus converted into fuel sources. (iii) The long-term sequence of carbon dioxide that can be introduced into the atmosphere by adding Nano-black carbon to the soil. Nano-black carbon amendment into the soil improving soil fertility and crop productivity. To meet global food security, crop production faces several real challenges, including declining trend of soil fertility and organic matter, climatic extremes, unmanaged rainfall patterns, and pathogens. Abiotic pressures such as heat and cold, drought, salinity, water storage, and heavy metal pressure are emerging as important factors in reducing crop production globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present-day agriculture is challenged to fulfill with twin objectives of achieving food, fodder, fiber and fuel security as well as restoring soil resources for long-term use. Efficient use of crop residues and other farm wastes by converting them to a useful source of soil amendment is a beneficial way to improve soil fertility. The biochar amendment improves soil moisture retention, aggregate stability, pH, cation exchangeable capacity (CEC), nutrient retention, microbial growth and enzymatic activities.It has been observed in several studies that biochar application improves soil fertility and thus increases crop yields on agricultural lands. Therefore, the use of biochar produced from different organic residues is an effective approach for long-term improvement of soil fertility and crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing population further risks the availability of land. A sustainable increase in the food production is needed to meet the future food and nutrition demand. Soil is the major natural source of plant nutrients and soil fertilization is one of the viable options to achieve greater crop production. A sustainable management of the soil is thus highly needed to maintain a sustainable livelihood. Smart fertilizers by the way of its availability and target based nutrient availability are considered to be a new and effective way to reach our sustainable livelihood target. This paper has tried to understand the concept of smart fertilizers and few options available for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of tomato biochar (TB) produced at 500 °C pyrolysis temperature and two holding times (TB20 and TB80) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed germination and growth attributes under salinity stress (S) and non-saline conditions (NOS). TB20 and TB80 were mixed at the rates of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% (w/w) with clay soil for S and NOS and wheat plant seed were sown in these mixtures. The effects of factors (salt, TB, S × biochar dose (DB) and S × holding time (PT) interactions) on germination parameters such as shoot length (SL), root length (RL), shoot fresh weight (SFW) and dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW) and dry weight (RDW), germination capacity (GC), seedling vigor index (SVI), germination rate index (GRI) and some ratios were evaluated at the end of germination period. Besides overcoming the stressful effects of salt, positive effects were observed clearly for all treatments with TB application. GC, SVI, GRI, SL, RL, SFW, RFW, SDW, RDW values increased with TB application 14%, 107%, 13%, 78%, 27%, 82%, 36.5%, 70%, 27%, respectively, in non-saline conditions while they increased with TB application by 18%, 300%, 18%, 222%, 57%, 193%, 64%, 130%, 25%, respectively, compared to control treatment in saline conditions. Furthermore, TB80 was observed effective in S, while TB20 was effective in NOS conditions. Also, TB application at the rate of 0.5% in NOS and 2% in S showed better results for many of the values investigated compared to other application rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional fertilizer nitrogen (N) recommendations for rainfed maize resulted in low N use efficiency (NUE) due to several reasons. This warrants application of fertilizer synchronous with plant requirements that could aid in improved productivity and NUE. In this backdrop, to optimize N rates for maize, a field experiment was conducted during 2014 to 2016 in Vertisols. Twelve treatments in combinations viz., N omission, skipping basal dose, multi-split topdressing at varying time either as broadcast or band placement, soil test crop response (STCR) based N with target yield 6.0 t ha−1 and biochar application were investigated in a randomized block design (RBD). Late application of N rates (120 kg ha−1) in 2 equal splits at knee high (V8) and tasseling (VT) stages with skipping of basal N, significantly increased grain yield, agronomy efficiency (AE), partial factor productivity (PFP), physiological efficiency (PE) and recovery efficiency (RE) to the tune of 16.3%, 45.1%, 15.3%, 14.0% and 37.9% than conventional recommendations, respectively. The higher yields and NUE with late application of N were ascribed due to positive significant linear relationship between yield and N availability. Factor analysis too revealed the one to one positive function of biomass with N uptake at V8 and VT. Principal component (PC) regression exhibited that PC1 acted as a major predictor for yield and dominated by leaf area index (LAI) and N uptake. Thus, we conclude that the multi-split N, to achieve higher yield and greater NUE, is strongly linked with late splits of N at V8 and VT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is one of the best and economical soil amendments as it helps in carbon sequestration, retains soil nutrients, increases water retention capacity of the soil, attracts more beneficial microbes and thus improves the crop yield. Peanut shell (PNB) biochar is produced by slow pyrolysis at 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C. PNB produced at these various temperatures were characterized (pH, electrical conductivity, ash and moisture content, bulk density, FTIR, SEM, XRD, SBET and elemental analyses). Pot study was carried out with soil amended with PNB obtained at various temperatures and PNB in combination with N (Nitrogen) fertilizer on sorghum crops over 30 days. It is found that Biochar increased soil water retention capacity and N fertilizer utilization efficiency by the plants. PNB, in combination with urea, had a synergistic effect that enhanced sorghum crop growth (fresh and dry weight, height of the plant, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf area). PNB showed no significant effect on seed germination. Thus, PNB, in combination with urea, can be used as an effective soil amendment technique. Biochar amendment increased the soil water holding capacity Peanut shell biochar in combination with urea has a synergistic effect Increased N fertilizer utilization efficiency by the plants when biochar and N fertilizer applied together Enhanced sorghum crop growth due to biochar amendment Application of Peanut shell biochar showed no significant effect on seed germination [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar as a soil amendment, increases soil fertility and better agricultural production. In addition, the utilization of microbial bio-fertilizers improves soil health and reduces the necessity of excessive chemical fertilizer application. In this regard, the present research was conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-inoculants and bagasse biochar on root colonization, grain nutrients uptake, growth, and yield of barley, and biological activities in a calcareous soil. An experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement on a completely randomized design with three replications in a greenhouse condition for seven months. The treatments consisted of six bio-fertilizer levels including control, Rhizophagus intraradices, Funneliformis mosseae, Micrococcus yunnanensis, Rhizophagus intraradices + Micrococcus yunnanensis, Funneliformis mosseae + Micrococcus yunnanensis, and three bagasse biochar levels of 0, 1%, and 2% w/w. The application of 2% biochar significantly increased root colonization (32.3%), grain nutrients uptake of N, P, Zn and Cu (10%, 10%, 10%, and 4.3%, respectively), biological yield (5.08%), soil microbial respiration (SMR) (11.3%), and microbial biomass C (MBS) (12.7%) compared to that of B0. Individual application of bio-inoculants and their combination with biochar increased root colonization, grain nutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, P, and N) uptake, biological and grain yield, 1000-kernel weight, SMR, and MBS. Application of plant growth promoting microorganisms and bagasse biochar simultaneously makes positive effects on barley and microbial activities, which is a promising strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya to evaluate the effect of biochar, lime and fertilizer on soil acidity and microbiological properties in an acidic soil. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications. The results revealed that application of fertilizer based on the soil test value (STV) either in combination with biochar or lime influenced soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), dehydrogenase, urease and phosphatase activities significantly. Similarly, application of STV-based fertilizer along with biochar+FYM (Farm Yard Manure) + ZnSO4 significantly decreased exchangeable aluminum, exchangeable acidity and total acidity as compared with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + FYM+ ZnSO4 treatment. The grain yield of rice was increased by 37.90% in STV + biochar + FYM + ZnSO4 and by 22.87% in STV + lime +FYM + ZnSO4 plots than RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 plot. Seed and haulm yield of cowpea increased by 33.57% and 18.53% in STV + biochar + FYM + ZnSO4 treatments as compared with RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 treatment. Exchangeable aluminum and exchangeable acidity were found to be negatively correlated with yield of rice (r = -0.179) and cowpea (r = -0.266). However, yield of rice and cowpea showed the significantly and positively correlated with microbiological properties. The exchangeable Al and exchangeable acidity were found to be negatively correlated with SMBC, SMBN, dehydrogenase activity, urease activity and phosphatase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on the yield and some physiological traits of beans under conditions of competition with Amaranthus retroflexus, an experiment was performed in the form of slip plots as a complete randomized block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental treatments included three densities of Amaranthus retroflexus as the main factor and fertilizer at five levels as the sub-factor. The results showed that the amount of weed nitrogen, ranging from the highest to the lowest, under the intense competitive pressure of Amaranthus retroflexus (D3=14) was related to nitrogen (85.08%), biochar (65.78%), compost (19.51%) and manure (16.44%) fertilizer, respectively. The results of this experiment indicated that the negative impact of wild Amaranthus retroflexus competition on grain yield depends on the type of fertilization and weed density of Amaranthus retroflexus. Among all fertilization treatments, at high competitive density of Amaranthus retroflexus, the highest rise in grain yield, compared to non-fertilization was related to compost (184.152), manure (119.24%), biochar (55.76%) and nitrogen (43.99%) treatments respectively. At low competitive weed density, the greatest increase in the grain yield was observed in compost (132.33%), manure (104.43%), biochar (55.71%) and nitrogen (22%) treatments compared to no fertilizer. In the absence of Amaranthus retroflexus, the highest to the lowest level of yield was obtained from the treatments of nitrogen, manure, compost, biochar and no fertilizer, while no statistically significant difference was found between nitrogen treatment and manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (Cu) contamination in soils is becoming a serious problem. Therefore, an experiment in plastic pots was carried out to investigate interactive influence of rice straw BC (BC0:0, BC1:5, and BC2:10% w/w) and nitrogen fertilizer (N0:0, N1:140, N2:280, and N3:420 kg ha−1) on plant growth, Cu mobility and phytoavailability to Boehmeria nivea in Cu polluted soil. Results revealed that BC × N fertilizer had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the growth of B. nivea in terms of biomass, height of plant, diameter of stem and number of leaves. Furthermore, BC × N fertilizer resulted in significant changes in pH, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity of soil after harvesting in comparison with control. However, the influence of BC × N fertilizer on soil extractable Cu and Cu uptake by plant varied with levels of N fertilizer. The BC2N1 treatment significantly increased the shoot biomass of B. nivea by 635% (fresh biomass) and 452% (dry biomass), but reduced Cu contents in roots, stems and leaves i.e., 52, 23 and 34 mg kg−1, respectively. Thereby, high dose of BC along with low N fertilizer could be considered as an efficient soil amendment combination for Cu stabilization and higher biomass production of B. nivea in highly Cu contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is a necessary and the most limiting nutrient in crop production. Addition of organic amendments to the soil can improve the use of N fertilizer in crops. However, the response of N to corn straw and biochar application in soils with different fertility levels is yet not well studied. This study investigates N utilization and uptake by corn plant at seedling stage using 15N-label tracer method. Two soils with different fertility levels were selected: (i) high fertility soil (HF), and (ii) low fertility soil (LF). The HF and LF soils were amended with biochar (HFB and LFB) and corn straw (HFC and LFC) in an outdoor pot experiment. The results showed that N absorption in corn plant increased by 23.47 − 30.58% (HFB), and by 10.34 − 13.59% (HFC) compared with unamended HF soil, and increased by 26.09 − 41.53% under LFB and by 13.59 − 20.23% in LFC compared with unamended LF soil. The 15N utilization rate increased in the order of: HFB > HFC > HF and LFB > LFC > LF, illustrating that biochar and corn straw application increases the efficiency by which corn plant utilizes N. Biochar and corn straw application significantly reduce 15N losses in the soil and improve 15N utilization in corn, particular in low fertile soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to investigate crop productivity, nitrogen use efficiency (AE_N, agronomic efficiency of N; ARF_N, apparent recovery fraction of N), and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission after biochar (BB, bamboo biochar) and nitrogen fertilizer (N) application in paddy and upland agricultural soils. The selected rice and Chinese cabbage were grown in the paddy soil and upland soil, respectively. Each treatment group, comprising N100% (N, 90 kg ha−1 for rice; 320 kg ha−1 for Chinese cabbage), BB + N35%, BB + N70%, and BB + N100%, was separated by a Control treatment. Overall, the increased nitrogen input and uptake resulted in improved crop growth. Under each experimental condition, soils treated with BB + N100% treatment had higher crop growth, nitrogen contents, and nitrogen uptake, as compared to other treatments. Nitrogen use efficiency was investigated independently of crop productivity results, and biochar played an important role in this assessment. In particular, both AE_N and ARF_N related to crop nutrient availability were significantly increased in the BB + N35% and BB + N70% treatments, as compared to the N100% treatment. In addition, N2O emission was reduced by decreasing the N input, and biochar contributed to N2O reduction in paddy and upland conditions. These results indicate that nitrogen use efficiency can be increased in agricultural soils supplemented with biochar application, such as paddy and upland field cultivations in South Korea. Additionally, it is considered good agricultural land management to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers, and practice sustainable and productive agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity and water scarcity adversely affect maize productivity. The use of biochar could enhance soil quality and increase the salt and/or drought threshold tolerance and yield of maize. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted with three biochar addition rates of 0% (BA0), 5% (BA5), and 10% (BA10) concerning salinity stresses of 2.0 (WS2) and 5.0 dS m−1 (WS5) under deficit irrigation comprising three levels at 60% (DI60), 75% (DI75), and 100% (DI100) of the reference evapotranspiration. Compared with the BA0 rate, the BA10 rate improved soil properties and the growth, nutrient uptake, and yield of maize. The DI100 × SW2 × BA10 combination improved plant growth, providing the highest yield (257.7 g/plant) and water productivity (WP) (2.92 kg/m3) values. However, the combination DI60 × SW5 × BA0 decreased plant growth, offering the lowest yield (121.9 g/plant) and WP (1.96 kg/m3) values. While the former combination increased water and nutrient contents in the soil, the latter combination reduced their values. Considering the salt tolerance index, the yield was more tolerant to salinity stress under the BA10 rate as a 3.60% decrease in yield was detected when soil salinity exceeded the threshold value (5.56 dS/m). The drought threshold was declined from 390 L under BA0 to 280 L under BA10 rate. The study suggests that biochar could mitigate the adverse effects of deficit irrigation and salinity stress on maize growth and productivity. Thus, biochar could be used in salt-affected soils or when irrigation water is of low quality to sustain maize production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize the biochar and nitrogen fertilizer, an experiment was conducted based on CCD. The high and low levels of biochar were 0 and 40 t.ha−1 and 0 and 300 kg.ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer, respectively. Grain yield, nitrogen losses, and NUE were measured as the dependent variables. The optimal amount of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer was calculated based on three economic, environmental, and economic-environmental scenarios. In site 1, the highest grain yield was obtained at 40 t.ha−1 of biochar and 300 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer. In site 2, it was obtained at 20 t.ha−1 of biochar and 300 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer. The lowest nitrogen losses were obtained in 40 t.ha−1 of biochar and 0 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer in the two sites. In both sites, the highest NUE was obtained in 20 t.ha−1 of biochar and 150 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer. In site 1, the optimum amount of independent variables in the economic scenario was 29.49 t.ha−1 of biochar and 239.39 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer. In the environmental scenario, the optimum amount of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer equaled 40 t.ha−1 and 55 kg.ha−1, respectively. The optimum amount of these in the economic-environmental scenarios was 20 t.ha−1 of biochar and 97 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer. In site 2, the optimum amount of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer in economic, environmental, and economic-environmental scenarios equaled 23.8 t.ha−1 of biochar and 263.6 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer, 40 t.ha−1 of biochar and 97 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer, and 19.4 t.ha−1 of biochar and 133.3 kg.ha−1 of the nitrogen fertilizer, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the benefits of biochar in soil sustainability, this study considered the effect of applying rice husk biochar as a substitute for inorganic fertilizer on soil properties and maize growth in Ghana. Six treatments (comprising of five rice husk biochar rates and one rate of NPK inorganic fertilizer as control) with four replicates in a pot experiment and "Obaatanpa" maize variety were used for the study. Results showed that the incorporation of biochar increased soil pH, organic carbon and effective cation exchange capacity for the various treatments which were higher than NPK treatment. Generally, 50 t/ha biochar applied at the time of planting recorded the lowest soil chemical properties which resulted in reduced maize germination count and yield while 50 t/ha biochar applied 2 weeks before planting improved soil chemical properties. Biochar increased all soil chemical properties analyzed more than NPK except for available phosphorus and potassium, which are key nutrients for maize growth. The maize yield in the biochar treatments was significantly lower (by 300%) than the NPK treatment, suggesting that biochar application in the short term, although could increase soil chemical properties, does not translate into essential nutrients available for improving maize yield. Therefore, quantity and incubation time for rice husk biochar before planting has a significant impact on soil nutrient and yield of maize. Future studies should consider the application of biochar at a longer period before planting and in combination with inorganic fertilizer as a top dressing and residual biochar for maize production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a carbonic recalcitrant product of biomass which is produced by pyrolysis process. In fact, biochar application has the potential to improve soil properties and crop productivity for long term scenarios compared to many other organic amendments. In this review we have tried to explore the role of biochar in the modification of soil properties (physical, chemical and biological), relevant effects of these changes on crop productivity and its future prospects and challenges by considering the existing literature. Addition of biochar as soil amendment has significantly influenced the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Biochar application reduces the bulk density of soil, increased microbial activity, pH level and water holding capacity; but it varied according to soil texture. Furthermore, increase in soil porosity and infiltration rate has also been observed due to biochar addition. Simultaneously, biochar addition sometimes could have negative impacts on soil properties that appear in the form of crop productivity loss. This study will provide a clear picture about the role of biochar in modifying soil properties and its beneficial impacts on crop growth and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic amendments of soil have the ability to enhance crop production and influence soil health by altering its physical and chemical properties. However, studies are limited regarding field evaluation of biochar and compost influence on crop yield and soil health. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the beneficial impact of biochar together with compost on nutritional profile of soil and maize productivity. Cow manure was used as a biomass to prepare biochar and compost. For biochar production the pyrolysis temperature was kept at 480 °C. The experiment comprised of four treatments: (1) Control (2) Biochar (3) Compost, and (4) Biochar + Compost, at the rate of 5 tons ha−1, for each. There was an increase of 46.29% and 13.4% in grain yield and biological yield, respectively, in treatment containing biochar and compost over un-treated control. Similarly, the soil organic carbon has also shown an increase of 80.52% due to the synergistic effect of biochar and compost. However, there was a decline in soil pH by combined application of biochar and compost. Conclusively, biochar and compost have the potential to increase crop productivity with better management of soil nutrients and properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reuse of organic wastes in agriculture is an appropriate method for environment management and providing nutrients to the plants. The objective of this study is to utilize possibility of agricultural waste as component of growing media and comparative evaluation of best potting media for flower production. The research was conducted at Floriculture Research Area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. There were total four treatments (garden soil, biochar + peat moss + leaf compost, leaf compost + soil, peanut shell compost + soil, rice straw + soil). Each treatment was replicated three times, having 10 plants each. Different agricultural waste materials such as leaf compost, peanut shell compost, rice straw and biochar were used as source for quality growth of Stock and Geranium. Physio-chemical analysis (N, P, K, pH, EC) were best in the growing media comprising biochar + peat moss + leaf compost. The experiment was arranged according to Completely Randomized Design (CRD) under factorial arrangement. The results regarding maximum plant height (57.4 cm), number of leaves per plant (62.5), root length (43.1 cm), number of flowers (31.6), flower diameter (4.8 cm), evapotranspiration rate (7.38 mol/m2/s), transpiration rate (46.4 mmol/m2/s) and leaf total chlorophyll contents (81.0 SPAD) were recorded in biochar + peat moss + leaf compost media while maximum leaf area (46.58 cm2), photosynthetic rate (2.11 μmol m2/s), stomatal conductance (1.73 mol/m2/s), respiration rate (416.67), internal CO2 (375.67) and minimum days to first flower emergence (43.8) were observed in peanut shell + soil media. Statistically all the parameters were positively correlated with each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various responses of plant growth attributes to the combined application of biochar and mineral fertilizers were reported according to trial conditions. Thus we studied the effects of biochar combined with nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers on crop growth and yield and NUE of maize crop under alkali clay soil. Field trial during two successive seasons (2018 and 2019) was conducted to investigate the possibility of biochar addition (0, 6 and 12 Mg ha−1), as well as, P (0 and 37 kg P2O5 ha−1) and N (95, 190 and 285 kg N ha−1) fertilizations on maize and some nitrogen use efficiencies attributes. The results revealed that, biochar addition at 6 or 12 Mg ha−1 resulted in a significant reduction in plant height, stem diameter and ear length compared with the control treatment. In contrast, biochar applied recorded significant increase in both leaves area per plant, grain yield and yield attributes, as well as, grain protein content, NUE, grain-NUtE, as well as, total-NUpE compared by control treatment. Applying 190 kg N ha−1 caused significant increase in each of growth and grain yield attributes, as well as, grain-NUtE. Biochar addition by 6 or 12 Mg ha−1 combined with P (37 kg P2O5 ha−1) and N (190 or 285 kg N ha−1) application had the greater effect on increasing stem diameter, ear length, almost yield attributes, NUE, as well as, grain-NUtE. However, NUE and total-NUpE showed negative response to biochar added with N fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate fixation is a main factor limiting phosphate availability and reducing crop production in acidic soils. Although biochar addition has been suggested as a means of ameliorating acidic soils, questions remain about the impacts of biochar on phosphate fixation and availability in these soils. To address these questions, a biochar produced from sugarcane bagasse was added at four different levels (0, 1, 3, and 6% w/w) to an acidic soil. After 30 days of incubation, comparisons were made between the chemical properties of the biochar-amended soils and those of the original one. Sorption isotherm experiments were also conducted to estimate soil phosphate sorption capacity and affinity parameters under biochar amendment. Results showed that biochar application improved such soil chemical properties as pH and cation exchange capacity as well as exchangeable calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium cations. Biochar was also observed to increase phosphate sorption capacity of the soil but reduce its phosphate sorption strength, indicating that biochar-amended soils were potentially able to fix lower amounts of phosphate than the original acidic soil was. Moreover, soil phosphate buffering capacity indices decreased as a result of biochar incorporation, indicating the easier release of phosphate from the solid to the solution phase in biochar-amended soils. Biochar addition was also observed to reduce effectively (up to 62%) the standard phosphorus requirement of the soil. In conclusion, biochar amendment was found to induce positive changes in phosphate sorption properties of acidic soils, thereby providing conditions more favorable to plant growth through sufficient phosphate availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop performance in calcareous and alkaline soils is often limited by low nutrient availability and uptake following poor soil fertility. The positive agronomic effects of compost and biochar originated from a distinct biomass on soil fertility, nutrients uptake and crop growth were previously reported in a wide range of different soil types. However, a little is surfaced about the contrasting effects of compost and biochar produced from the same biomass on soil fertility, nutrients uptake and crop growth in the calcareous and alkaline soils. A greenhouse experiment was carried out with an eye of contrasting the effects of compost and biochar made from the same pioneering Oleaster (Oleaster angustifolia L.) tree on improving these limiting factors for crop performance found in the calcareous and alkaline soils. The calcareous and alkaline soil used was either untreated (control) or treated with compost and biochar at a rate of 1, 2 and 4% w/w. The experimental layout was laid in line with completely randomized plot design in quadruplicate. Across the experiment, compost significantly (p < 0.05) exhibited the striking impacts on soil fertility, nutrients uptake and maize growth than biochar treatments. To put the effects of compost and biochar into perspectives, compost exhibited the highest rally in soil fertility through enriching pH, electrical conductivity (EC), extractable cations (Ca, Mg, K and Na), available micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn), available phosphorous (P), NO3-N, NH4-N, total nitrogen (TN) and organic matter (OM), nutrients uptake via enhancing the uptake of total nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu, as well as maize growth via improving leaf chlorophyll content (LCC), plant height (PH), stem girth (SG), aboveground fresh biomass (APFB), aboveground plant dry biomass (APDB), fresh root biomass (FRB) and dry root biomass (DRB) than biochar amendments due to most likely sorption effects of biochar and its recalcitrance to microbial activities. Overall, soil fertility and crop performance increased in the order control < biochar < compost. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that compost can be suggested under such type of soils for improving soil fertility and crop performance at the expenses of biochar applications, nonetheless, field demonstration is highly essential for more conclusive results prior to recommending either compost or biochar in soil management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif and Summer seasons for two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 with rice (Oryza sativa L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), grown in a sequence at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya on an acid soil to study the effect of biochar, lime and mangala setright on yield, nutrient uptake and fertility status of an acidic soil. Application of biochar along with soil test value based fertilizer (STV) + FYM + ZnSO4 influenced the productivity of rice and cowpea of 104.82 q ha−1 and 2474.77 kg ha−1, respectively and the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by rice (107.72, 28.16 and 69.34 kg ha−1, respectively) and cowpea (68.06, 5.86 and 38.67 kg ha−1, respectively) significantly, which was found on par with application of biochar along with RDF + FYM + ZnSO4. The soil pH (6.01), organic carbon content (5.03 g kg−1) and available nitrogen (340.45 kg ha−1), phosphorus (39.45 kg ha−1) and potassium (166.45 kg ha−1) significantly increased through the integrated use of biochar, FYM, ZnSO4 and fertilizers. Yield and soil properties like soil pH, organic carbon content and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium significantly increased with application of lime and mangala setright as compared to farmer's practice. Highest net income and benefit:cost ratio (2.65) was obtained with integration of soil test value based fertilizer application, FYM and biochar. Significant reduction in the productivity of crop and soil fertility was recorded in farmer's practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enrichment of soils with organic amendments could increase the content of available nutrients, improve soil chemical characteristics and increase plant growth. In the current pots experiment, the influences of biochar (BC), humic acid (HA), and compost (CO) on barely growth were investigated under saline conditions. Barely plants grown on a clay loam soil and irrigated with saline water concentration of (EC = 13.8 dS m−1) were amended with BC, HA and CO at a rate of 1 or 3% of soil weight. The results showed that BC, HA and CO treatments had significant effects on the soil salinity, pH, organic matter (SOM), and plant nutrients. The results showed that the high rate application of BC, HA and CO increased the SOM by 14, 75 and 58% respectively, above the control. Consequently, the total chlorophyll as affected by the treatments can be arranged in descending order: BC3 > CO1 > CO3 > HA3 > HA1 > BC1 > C. The high rates of BC, HA and CO increased the dry biomass by 28.0, 21.6 and 39.7% respectively, above the control %, respectively, above the control. The investigated organic amendments increased the nutrients availability and uptake and enhanced the synthesis of chlorophyll in the plant tissues and this may be the reason of increasing the ability of barley to tolerate salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the effect of biochar on maize production and nutrient retention with recommended full and half dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrition in loamy soil. In the first study, maize was grown in pots with four levels of biochar (0, 2, 4, and 6 t ha−1) under two levels of NP fertilizer, viz. recommended (200–150 kg NP ha−1) and it's half (100–75 kg NP ha−1) dose. The prominent improvement in plant roots traits, leaf area, plant growth, morphological and yield-related parameters were observed with addition of biochar at 2 and 4 t ha−1; while, plant height, number of grains per cob, grains and biological yield decreased with biochar addition 6 t ha−1 along with full dose of NP nutrition. In subsequent field studies, two levels of biochar along with control (0, 2, 4 t ha−1) were investigated. The more improvement in root growth, leaf area and crop growth was observed when biochar was applied at 2 t ha−1 with full NP nutrition. Biochar application at 2 t ha−1 with full NP nutrition produced the highest grain yield (6.64 t ha−1); however, biochar addition (2 t ha−1) with half NP nutrition resulted in better grain yield than full dose of NP to enhance maize production as compared with full dose of NP without biochar. Therefore, biochar addition (2 t ha−1) with half-recommended dose of NP prominently improved the maize productivity in loamy soil and serve as better in replacement of full dose of NP fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive and unwise use of synthetic fertilizers is a threat to the soil, aerial and human health. In this scenario, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for maximizing peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) production under arid regions are necessary. Use of biochar and the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) along with reduce doses of synthetic fertilizers has emerged as an eco-friendly way of reducing the dose of synthetic fertilizers for crop production. In this 2-year study, we evaluated the role of PGPRs and biochar with reduce doses of synthetic fertilizers on peanut productivity on a sandy loam soil under an arid climate. The experiment comprised of eight experimental treatments viz. (i) control, (ii) recommended dose of synthetic fertilizer (32-80-32 NPK kg ha−1), (iii) plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; SR-5), (iv) biochar (10 t ha−1), (v) PGPR + half dose of synthetic fertilizer (i.e., 16-40-16 NPK kg ha−1), (vi) biochar (10 t ha−1) + half dose of synthetic fertilizer, (vii) PGPR + biochar (10 tha−1) and (viii) PGPR + biochar (10 t ha−1) + half dose of synthetic fertilizer. The highest pod yield (1.94 Mg ha−1), seed yield (1110 kg ha−1) and oil contents (52.6%) were recorded when biochar was applied in combination with PGPRs with half dose of synthetic fertilizers which was attributed to a greater number of pods per plant and highest seed weight in this treatment. In crux, biochar application along with PGPRs might be a pragmatic option to boost peanut yield in arid regions with reduce doses of NPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major nitrogen consuming crop, as nitrogen is considered as an important determinant of its grain yield. Though inorganic fertilizer is widely recommended, the problem of high cost and inaccessibility limit its usage by resource poor farmers. Biochar application provides a new technology for both soil fertility and crop productivity improvement. With limited research on the suitability of biochar for soil improvement practices in Ghana, our objective was to determine the synergistic effect of biochar and inorganic fertilizer on the nitrogen uptake, nitrogen use efficiency, and yield of maize. Field experiment was conducted in Ghana, KNUST, in the major and minor raining seasons. Biochar was applied at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t ha−1 and fertilizer N applied at 0, 45, and 90 kg ha−1. The results showed significantly (p <.05) higher N uptake, N use efficiency and yield of maize when biochar was applied with fertilizer N compared to both the control and sole N fertilizer plots. Biochar applied at 10 t ha−1 supplemented with 45 kg N ha−1 increased N uptake by 200%, and grain yield by 213% and 160% relative to the control in the minor and major rainy seasons, respectively. The greater yield of maize recorded on biochar-amended soils was attributed to the improved N uptake and nitrogen use efficiency. In conclusion, our finding suggests that the application of combined biochar and inorganic N fertilizer is not only ecologically prudent, but economically viable and a practicable alternative to current farmers' practice of cultivating maize in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar has attained significant attention as a beneficial soil amendment amongst growers and researchers. However, the impact of particle size of biochar is yet to be investigated. Here in the present study, we studied three particle sizes (<2 mm, 2–5 mm, and >5 mm) of biochar and two rhizobia strains (Rhizobium leguminoserum (RL) and Rhizogold (RG)) for their effect on the uptake and efficiency of nitrogen (N) in lentils. The two years experiment followed a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement replicated three times. The data revealed that grain N, straw N, N uptake, N recovery efficiency (NRE), and N agronomic efficiency (NAE) were maximum with biochar smallest size (<2 mm). However, the N physiological efficiency, number of branches and plant height decreased with reduced particle size. Furthermore, the smallest particle size showed more number of pod plant−1. Biofertilizer strain (RL and RG) significantly increased the straw N but not the grain N. Both strains showed increased NRE and NAE, however, the RL demonstrated 7% more grain N than the RG. Both strains (RL and RG) demonstrated 16% and 20% increase in number of branches plant−1, 62% and 48% in plant height and 2% and 5% in root length, respectively. The RL strain improved the number of branches plant−1 at the lowest (<2 mm) and medium size (2–5 mm) particles size but both RL and RG strains demonstrated increased plant height under the maximum particle size. These results indicated that a mere increase in surface area with decreasing biochar particle size may not serve for enhancing biofertilizer strains performance since reducing particle size may immobilize the starter N applied. However, reducing particle size effect on N cycling into soil plant system was favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant production in potting substrates provides maximum profit on the applied inputs, and hence, directly improving the socio-economic condition of the grower/nurserymen. The main challenge in this industry is sourcing of materials for their potting substrates. Peat and perlite have been widely preferred materials. However, recently higher prices, more restrictive legislation of many countries and wetland ecosystem destruction through its extraction has limited peat use. Nowadays, producers focus towards peat alternatives that provide good performance, are readily available, inexpensive and environment friendly to attain sustainability in potted plant production. In an effort to grasp sustainability during the last few decades, many industrial and agricultural waste materials were reviewed for their use in potting substrates. In these studies, the major focus remained on material characterization, neglecting their economics, technical aspects and environmental impacts. Thus, switching from peat and perlite to alternatives requires material exploration. In the present review, we summarize a clearer and practical approach for substituting different materials especially biochar to fulfill the need of modern potting substrate industry. Biochar has the potential to sustain the substrate production on a long-term basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 35-day simulated evaporation experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar application on phreatic water evaporation and water-salt distribution in coastal saline soil. Three biochar rates (0, 1%, and 5%; w/w) were applied to 65-cm-long soil columns. Results showed that applying the low biochar application rate effectively inhibited soil water evaporation. The 1% biochar treatment resulted in 4.4% lower cumulative soil water evaporation compared with the control, while it caused salt accumulation in the surface soil. By contrast, the high biochar application rate had little effect on cumulative soil water evaporation. Nonetheless, the 5% biochar treatment significantly increased the soil water-holding capacity while decreasing sodium adsorption ratio and salinity in the surface soil. In conclusion, applying a higher biochar rate (e.g., 5%) could improve salt water-distribution in the coastal saline soil under the experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar is a product resulting from pyrolyzing biomass and is rich in carbon and several mineral. Nowadays, biochar is widely applied to agricultural soils as a soil conditioner. This research focuses on using biochar as a foliar fertilizer for wheat plants. The experiment was carried out at Shebin El-kom, El-Menoufia, Egypt, during two successive winter seasons 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of biochar on the plant growth, yield and the nutritive value of wheat plant. Results showed that, the high concentrations of biochar (300 mg/L) improved the growth and yield characteristics of wheat. Biochemical constituents as expressed as total sugars, protein, phenols and indoles, as well as free amino acids, and nitrogen varied by growth stage and concentration of biochar. As a result, biochar application can be utilized to enhance the cultivated food crop and decrease the dependence on chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studied the effect of biochar addition before upland rice planting, followed by sugarcane cropping, on soil fertility (nitrogen mineralization, β-glucosidase and urease activities), and mitigating greenhouse gases emission at sugarcane harvest. An incubation experiment was designed utilizing soil samples taken from a sugarcane field at final harvest with treatments, (i) Control, with no biochar or fertilizer application to upland rice (ii) CF, with fertilizer application at recommended rates; (iii) BC1, with biochar addition at the rate of 3.125 Mg ha−1 + CF; (iv) BC2, with biochar addition at the rate of 6.25 Mg ha−1 + CF. Results showed that, at the last sampling dates, soil enzyme activities of the biochar treatments were significantly greater than those of the control treatment. The lowest cumulative carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emission was observed in the BC2 treatment. Thus, the BC2 treatment could increase both soil fertility and mitigate global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor soil structure is the main cause of soil degradation; however, biochar the solid carbon-rich production of pyrolysis biomass could improve the soil structure. Biochar from the feed stock sawdust (SD) and corn cobs (CC) was pyrolyzed at 450 °C. Wheat was grown as a test crop and treatments were control, NPK, SDB1% (sawdust biochar), CCB1% (corn cobs biochar), SDB0.5%þCCB0.5%, SDB1%þ1=2 NPK, CCB1%þ1=2 NPK. The higher growth, higher grain and dry matter yield were displayed by biocharþNPK. The lowest pH, the higher organic matter, available P and available K were observed in SDB0.5%þCCB0.5%. However, the highest total N (1.43 g kg-1) was by NPK treatment. The biochar increased plant available water contents, water contents at field capacity and permanent wilting point, soil porosity and decreased bulk density. The highest stable aggregates were in SDB0.5%þCCB0.5%. Biochar application was found as a useful practice for soil sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects crop production throughout the world. Biochar is an activated carbon soil conditioner that can alleviate the negative impacts of salinity. The research was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effect of 1% and 2% of biochar application on wheat seed germination and growth attributes under salinity. Both levels of biochar improved the germination and growth conditions under salinity; however, 2% biochar level was more effective compared to 1% level. Root and shoot length increased up to 23% and11% with 2% biochar, respectively. The maximum increase of 16% and 10% in leaf water potential and osmotic potential was noted with 2% biochar at 150 mM salt. The decrease in proline content and soluble sugar at 2% biochar was 51% and 27%, respectively. Decrease in superoxide dismutase activity was 15.3% at 2% level of biochar under stress biochar mitigates the negative effects of salinity and improved wheat productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In sub-Saharan Africa, manure and loam soil are popular growing media substrates. However, their poor physiochemical properties limit their use in growing media. Following a survey of farmers, single species sawdust, mixed species sawdust, and rice husk (RH) were selected and composted with poultry manure. Additionally, the RH was charred for use in soilless media. Objectives were to produce feedstock-specific composts and determine appropriate proportion for using them in containerized systems. Three composts produced were amended with soil in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 (v/v) in an initial experiment. In a second experiment (soilless), the single sawdust and RH compost were each amended with RH biochar in ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 1:2 (v/v) and subjected to half or full pot irrigation. RH compost amended soils gave the highest lettuce yield. In the soilless media, 2:1 ratio (v/v) of biochar to sawdust compost gave the highest yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]