Abstract
Application of biochar on acidic soils may improve soil fertility and crop productivity. This study aimed to explore the relevance of parthenium biochar-induced changes in the physicochemical properties and agronomic performance of the selected wheat varieties in acidic soils. A pot trial was used in determining the effect of slow pyrolysis parthenium biochar on acidic soils and the agronomic performance of wheat varieties. A general linear model (GLM) of multivariate analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to compare functional variation among soil assayed parameters with biochar dosages and years. Biochar-treated acidic soils did not show significant differences in their physical properties. However, a significant incremental trend was observed in the soil moisture content. The biochar-amended acidic soils showed noticeable differences in the soil pH, available phosphorous, and exchangeable bases (Ca, K, and Na) compared to the control. In all soil samples, a decreasing trend in the soil micronutrients was observed with an increase in the biochar amounts. The analysis also unveiled significant changes in root length, root and shoot dry biomass, and plant height of wheat varieties in response to the biochar amendments. The application of 19.5 t/ha and 23 t/ha dosages of biochar gave the maximum changes in the agronomic performance of Kekeba and Ogolcha varieties, while the minimum was obtained in the 26.5 t/ha and the control. Furthermore, PCA axis 1 accounted for 74.34% of the total variance within a higher eigenvector value (10.4076), and most of the soil parameters were positively correlated with CEC (0.29), available phosphorous (0.29), and soil pH (0.28); however, the micronutrients were negatively correlated. In conclusion, Parthenium hysterophorus biochar has the potential to amend acidic soils, and thus, the application of 16.0, 19.5, and 23 t·ha−1 biochar dosages are considered suitable to reduce the soil acidity level and improve the agronomic performance of wheat varieties. However, extensive research will be needed to determine the effects of biochar on soil properties and crop production in field conditions.
Highlights
In Ethiopia, low soil fertility is one of the factors limiting the yield of many crops. is is caused by the removal of surface soil by erosion, crop removal of nutrients from the soil, total removal of plant residue from farmland, and lack of proper crop rotation practices [1, 2]
The herbaceous feedstock may pyrolyze above 400°C and woody raw materials even above 800°C [18]. e addition of biochar to acidic soils changes soil pH from 3.9 to 5.1 [19], boost electrical conductivity [20], boost cation exchange capacity from 7.41 to 10.8 cmol+/kg [21], and increase the percent base saturation from 6.4 to 26% and modifies soil acidity [22]. erefore, the present study was initiated to assess the potential effect of P. hysterophorus biochar on the amelioration of acidic soils and the agronomic performance of selected wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop varieties
The site lies between 11°35′ and 12°00′ N latitude and 39°14′ and 39°48′ E longitude and 2,740 meters above sea level. e mean annual rainfall recorded during the study period was 1,050 mm, and the average annual minimum and maximum temperatures were 18 and 28.7°C, respectively [23]. e district was a representative of wet highland and characterized by erosion-prone, susceptible to acidity, low potential, and oxen plow cereal belt area. e main crop types grown in the district are oats (Avena sativa L.), line seed (Linum usitatissimum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and wheat (T. aestivum). e area was selected for the study because soil acidity and invasion of parthenium weed in the area are important issues that require urgent attention
Summary
In Ethiopia, low soil fertility is one of the factors limiting the yield of many crops. is is caused by the removal of surface soil by erosion, crop removal of nutrients from the soil, total removal of plant residue from farmland, and lack of proper crop rotation practices [1, 2]. P. hysterophorus (Asteraceae) is an aggressive alien weed species native to the Americas, and at present, it is extensively spread in Asia, Australia, and Africa [4] and Ethiopia [3]. It grows along roadsides and in fallow and cultivated lands, riverbanks, disturbed areas, and floodplains. Erefore, the present study was initiated to assess the potential effect of P. hysterophorus biochar on the amelioration of acidic soils and the agronomic performance of selected wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop varieties The herbaceous feedstock may pyrolyze above 400°C and woody raw materials even above 800°C [18]. e addition of biochar to acidic soils changes soil pH from 3.9 to 5.1 [19], boost electrical conductivity [20], boost cation exchange capacity from 7.41 to 10.8 cmol+/kg [21], and increase the percent base saturation from 6.4 to 26% and modifies soil acidity [22]. erefore, the present study was initiated to assess the potential effect of P. hysterophorus biochar on the amelioration of acidic soils and the agronomic performance of selected wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop varieties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
