The Effect of Biochar Obtained from Municipal Pruning Wastes at Different Pyrolysis Temperatures on Maize Yield and Some Soil Properties

Abstract

The pot experiment was set up in a randomized plot design with three replications. Biochar was obtained at three different pyrolysis temperatures (300, 500, 700°C) by using municipal pruning wastes. In response to the biochar applications at five different doses (0, 10, 20, 30 and 60 t ha-1), some biological (soil respiration, dehydrogenase activity) and chemical properties of the soils (pH, electrical conductivity-EC, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity-CEC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B) and yield (fresh plant biomass) were investigated. The parameters analyzed showed significant changes between -48% and 141% when compared with the control soils (P<0.05). It was determined that the biochar obtained at 300°C pyrolysis temperature can be biodegraded more easily than the biochar obtained at 500 and 700°C. Similarly, available phosphorus and boron had the most positive effect from biochar application at 300°C pyrolysis temperature. Moreover, the available boron concentration achieved the highest increase with the application of 60 t biochar ha-1. It has been determined that biochar has the potential to increase the pH value of soils between 0.5-6.2% in 75 days. The EC value, which is an indicator of soil salinity, decreased with 700°C and 20, 30 and 60 t ha-1 applications. An increase potential of 31.3% was determined in the CEC. There was no determinable effect on available Mn, Fe and Cu by independent variables. An increase of 71.4% was detected in the maize yield with the application of 700 °C and 60 t ha-1.