Effect of biochar composite and organic sources on soil properties and yield of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Abstract

Biochar is considered as a possible and potential tool for soil fertility improvement, climate change mitigation and long term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. Soil application of biochar enhances the soil properties indirectly. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of organic manures viz., Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Vermicompost, Biochar, Biochar composite on soil properties, growth and yield of bhendi, Abelmoschus esculentus in Somayyanur soil series of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with eleven treatments and three replications during the summer season (March – June) 2021 with the inclusion of inorganic fertilizers based on soil test crop response (STCR) based recommendation. Application of biochar composite (5 t ha-1) along with STCR based NPK (75% STCR) increased the total carbon content in soil by 0.538 %. This, in turn, increased the available nitrogen status to 295 and 244 Kg ha-1 at 40 and 70 DAS, respectively. Similarly, the available phosphorous (22.4, 19.3 Kg ha-1) and potassium (344.70, 323.70 Kg ha-1) status also showed a considerable increase with the same treatment. The yield attributes of bhendi viz., fruit length, girth, weight, dry matter production and yield recorded maximum values of 15.23 cm, 6.93 cm, 21.56 g, 11.9 t ha-1 and 25.20 t ha-1 with the combined application of biochar composite and NPK. The findings revealed that 25 % STCR based NPK could be reduced with the application of 5 t ha-1 of biochar composite, which is economically an option besides promoting soil health.