Cumulative effect of biochar and compost on nutritional profile of soil and maize productivity

Abstract

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.