Abstract
Biochar enhances soil fertility by improving the soil physical, chemical and microbiological properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of corn cob-derived biochar on soil enzymatic activity, organic carbon, aggregate stability and soil microbial biomass carbon under drought stress. Biochar was prepared from crushed corn cobs pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 400 °C and applied at a ratio of 1% (w/w) and 3% (w/w) filled in pots. In each pot, three field capacity (FC) levels, i.e., 100, 70 and 40%, were maintained gravimetrically. Results showed that biochar application improved the growth (plant height and root length) and relative water content in maize leaves under drought stress, while it reduced electrolyte leakage compared to a control treatment. Aggregate stability was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in biochar amended soil. Moreover, microbial biomass carbon and soil water also increased under drought stress at 70% FC and 40% FC, respectively, where 3% w/w (400 °C) biochar was applied. Among enzymes, β-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase activity were improved with biochar application. The maximum organic carbon (240%, 246% and 249%, 254% more than control) was calculated in soils where 3% biochar pyrolyzed at 400 °C and 300 °C was mixed with soil, respectively. Similarly, the carbon pool index (CPI) and carbon management index (CMI) were also higher in biochar-amended soil as compared to control treatment. Conclusively, biochar amendment could effectively improve soil quality and maize growth under drought stress.
Highlights
Food insecurity is a global issue and a more severe threat to developing countries in particular due to increasing populations and the declining availability of agricultural lands, water and other resources related to agricultural settings [1,2]
We investigated the significant increase in aggregate stability in biochar (1% and 3% w/w) amended soil under drought stress (70%, 40% Field capacity (FC))
We found in our experiment that organic carbon increased significantly with the addition of biochar (3% pyrolyzed at 400 ◦C) under drought stress (Figure 2d); this increase in organic carbon was attributed to the more recalcitrant nature of biochar as a stable source of organic carbon [8]
Summary
Food insecurity is a global issue and a more severe threat to developing countries in particular due to increasing populations and the declining availability of agricultural lands, water and other resources related to agricultural settings [1,2]. Soil quality is a determinant of improved crop production. An increase in crop production and sustainable agronomic approaches are required to ensure food security under changing climate [3]. Soil organic matter is a potential indicator for soil productivity that can be improved with better management practices and by adding organic materials and crop residues. Soil organic carbon is vital for sustainable productivity as it improves the soil structure, provides nutrients, retains water and improves soil microbial diversity [4,5]. It acts as a good binding agent for soil aggregates [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
