Relative physiological parameter appraisal on indigenous rice variety of South India (Kattuyanam) in contrary to the contemporary cultivars (Andhra Ponni) influenced by biochar

Abstract

Biochar is a charred organic material that has a wide application in soil improvement and crop yield. It is significant to refurbish the traditional rice variants which belong to south india variety. This study efforts to relatively analyze the morphological characteristics of rice varieties Kattuyanam (traditional variety) and Andhra Ponni (Modern variety) exposed to varied conditions of biochar and its influence on soil fertility. The growth of the seedlings in both varieties was monitored in different conditions (only vermicompost, only biochar, vermicompost, and biochar together, without water and with water) during two different season (Spring and Winter) the biometric parameters of each were measured to determine the effect of conditions in their growth. The seedling's whole height, stem height, root height, leaf height, number of leaves, number of roots, number of auricles, and number of ligules were taken into consideration. These parameters were measured and compared with seedlings in each block of different conditions. The absolute growth rate was calculated for the parameters which are taken before four days of transplantation. The weight of the seedlings of each block was considered and the difference between the weight of the rice varieties was analyzed. Thus this work encourages a dual concept of utilizing waste to produce biochar and evaluate its soil enrichment property on traditional rice variety cultivation.