Impact of Rice husk biochar for improvement of nutrient availability on soil and maize crop

Abstract

Maize is important crop due to its high nutritional value and multiple uses. It is grown as fodder and cereal crop in Pakistan. The population of pakistan is increasing at fast rate therefore; production of maize needs to be increased. One of the biggest challenges to agricultural production in pakistan is soil-related problems. Biochar is proved to be increase the production of several crops due to its improved soil water-holding capacity. It increases the availability of plants nutrient and increases growth and biomass of plant. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of rice husk biochar to improve soil property and growth of maize plant. The biochar was applied at different dose rate such as 9%, 7%, 4%, 3% and 1%. The impact of biochar on soil properties and plant growth was checked. The results showed that biochar amended soil performed better as compared to control. Maximum plant height, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, root fresh weight and root dry weight was recorded in case of 9% rice husk biochar which was 120 cm, 100 g, 80 g, 16.23 g and 9.34 g respectively. Maximum EC, pH, organic matter was recorded in case of 9% rice husk biochar which were 1.75 ds m-¹, 8.34 and 2.5% respectively. Maximum available phosphorus in soil was recorded in case of 9% rice husk biochar 24.3 mg/Kg. Highest available potassium was recorded in case of 9% rice husk biochar 170 mg/Kg. Highest total nitrogen was recorded in case of 9% rice husk biochar 0.17 g/Kg.  Highest available Fe was recorded in case of 9% rice husk biochar 55 g/Kg. Highest available Zinc was recorded in case of 9% rice husk biochar 16 g/Kg. The results concluded that application of rice husk biochar at dose rate of 9% improve the soil properties and growth of maize plant. So, rice husk biochar might be used as a soil amendment and to enhance the yield of maize and other crops as well.