Application of Mahogany Leaves and Sawdust Biochar for Amendment of Saline Soil

Abstract

This research was conducted for the observation of the status of soil fertility and salinity using the biochar produced from the Mehagony leaves and Sawdust. Biochar has been produced by the pyrolysis method. Different feeds produced biochar ranging from 37% to 39% in initial dry weight. Each biochar was distinguished in the study by the percent of organic Carbon, moisture content, total Nitrogen, and cations of Ca++, Na+, K+, Mg++ Pand S. All of the biochar produced from different feedstock contain high amounts of organic Carbon of 69% to76.11%. The pH, EC, and other nutrient contents were determined from the treated soil before and after the treatment of biochar and found higher value pH values and reduction of EC value due to the application of biochar. The EC values were decreased in biochar-treated saline soil than in untreated soil. The maximum decrease of EC was noticed from 13 to 10.5 ds/m in Mahogany leaf biochar-treated soil. The performance of the biochar of Mahogany leaves is higher than the Sawdust biochar for the reduction of salinity and increased other nutrients such as Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S). The overall concentration of P, K, Ca, Mg, and S was increased in all biochar-treated saline soil compared to untreated soil. The findings of the study indicated that the Mahogany leaf biochar and Sawdust biochar have a high potential for desalination of saline soil and buildup of available nutrients in saline soil.