Assessment of Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics in Response to Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizers in Maize Field
Assessment of Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics in Response to Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizers in Maize Field
Mujeebur Rahman1, Muhammad Ilyas2*, Arshad Ullah3, Rooh Ullah4 and Sanam Zarif2
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season, 2017 at The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, to examine the impact of biochar and inorganic fertilizers on soil physico-chemical properties in a maize field. The experiment followed a two-factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A comprised three biochar levels: control, 5 t ha-¹, and 10 t ha-¹. Factor B included two application rates of inorganic fertilizers i.e., Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK): 100% and 50% of the recommended doses. Statistical analysis revealed the application of 10 t ha-¹ biochar resulted in the highest values for soil organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, total soil nitrogen, extractable phosphorus, and potassium, followed by 5 t ha-¹ biochar, compared to control plots. The bulk density of soil was significantly reduced with 10 t ha-¹ biochar. For inorganic fertilizer doses, the application of full-dose NPK, significantly enhanced total soil nitrogen, extractable phosphorus, and potassium compared to half-dose treatments. However, soil organic matter, bulk density, and pH did not show differences at the 5% significance level for NPK doses. The interaction between biochar and inorganic doses was insignificant for all soil parameters. The lack of significant interaction between biochar and NPK suggests that biochar can independently enhance soil quality, making it a promising soil amendment for sustainable agricultural practices.
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