Influence of enriched biochar application on soil chemical properties, soil microbial activity and corn productivity
2023
Nwe, K.P. | Villegas-Pangga, G. | Delfin, E.F.
Considerable work has been undertaken recently to enhance the performance of biochar with growing research interest in using nutrient-enriched biochar as an alternative slow-release fertilizer. A study was conducted to investigate the changes in soil chemical properties and microbial activity after the application of fertilizer enriched corn cob biochar (FEB) in a clay loam soil (Typic Eutrudepts). The agronomic and physiological responses of corn plant grown in amended soil with treatments: no fertilizer (T1), biochar alone, (T2) recommended rate of chemical fertilizer (T3) and fertilizer enriched biochar (FEB) at the rate of 5.0 (T4), 7.5 (T5) and 10.0 (T6) tons/ha were evaluated. Results showed that the application of FEB improved the chemical soil properties and soil microbial activity as it provided greater soil organic carbon and essential macronutrients. The FEB with the lowest rate (5 tons/ha) significantly increased corn biomass and fruit yield. Morever, FEB application significantly enhanced N and K concentration of corn stalk and fruit and P concentration of the stalks. The FEB fertilized plants had higher SPAD readings at both milking and harvesting stage than the other treatments, an indication of higher leaf chlorophyll content. Significant positive correlations were obtained between soil total N, available P and exchangeable K and N and K concentration in plants. These findings have now provided a new avenue on the utilization of enriched biochar as an efficient fertilizer.
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