Levels Of Biochar Research Articles

Effect of Phosphorous and Biochar Levels on Phosphorous Concentration in Plants and some Growth Characteristics and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was carried out during the 2021-2022 agricultural season in Al Bandar area, which is located 10 km east of the center of Samawah city - Muthanna governorate on the left side of the Euphrates River to find out the effect of phosphorous and biochar levels on the growth characteristics and yield of bread wheat, triple superphosphate fertilizer TSP (21%) was used. as a source of phosphorous fertilizer with five levels (0, 50, 75, 100 and 150%) of the fertilizer recommendation (120 kg P ha−1) and biochar was used, as a volume of 120 cm3 was added to a box with three size levels (0%, 1% and 2%) It was added at once before planting, the experiment was carried out using a design (RCBD) with three replicates, The levels of phosphorous and biochar achieved the best values in all study parameters.

Organic fertilization promotes the accumulation of soil particulate organic carbon in a 9‐year plantation experiment

AbstractManagement practices are expected to influence the capacity of forests to mitigate climate change. However, the long‐term effects of afforestation on soil carbon accumulation in response to contrasting management regimes remain poorly understood. Here, we combined organic matter fractionation with a nine‐year‐long organic fertilization experiment to investigate the influences of largely accepted practices such as biochar (BC) and biogas‐slurry (BS) inputs on the accumulation of soil particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC) in three soil horizon depths (0–25, 25–50, and 50–75 cm, respectively). Our results suggested that both BS and BC significantly enhanced the POC and total soil organic carbon (SOC) content but overall did not significantly influence MAOC. Moreover, the POC and MAOC was more responsive to BS than BC. Further, our analyses revealed that the effects of BC on POC and MAOC were indirectly regulated by changes in the SOC: total nitrogen (TN) ratio, while BS influenced POC and MAOC by regulating TN. However, the responses of MAOC to the infiltration of organic fertilizers into the mineral soil should not be ignored, especially under high BC levels. Our work revealed that management practices are critical for supporting the long‐term capacity of new forests to accumulate soil carbon, thereby facilitating the provision of nature‐based solutions in response to climate change.

Application of Rice Husk Biochar and Consortium Biological Fertilizers Against the Physiological Response of Cocoa Plants

This study aims to determine the effect of applying rice husk biochar and consortium biofertilizers to improve the physiological processes of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) plants. This research was conducted at the Mars Cocoa Research Station Gardens in Pangkep Regency using an experimental method with the design used, namely the Two Factor Factorial (F2F) arranged in a Randomized Block Design (RBD). Four levels of rice husk biochar were used as the first factor consisting of (r0), 5kg/tree (r1), 10kg/tree (r2), and 15kg/tree (r3). The second treatment factor was the consortium biofertilizer (m) consisting of 4 levels, including without consortium biofertilizers (c0), 20 ml/L (c1), 40 ml/L (c2), and 60 ml/L (c3). Data analysis was carried out by collecting data and processing it in the form of variance (ANOVA) and then proceeding with the Tukey test with a level of alpha 0.05. The results showed that the application of rice husk biochar and consortium biofertilizers had a significant effect on the parameter Leaf Mass per Area (0,049 g.cm-2), chlorophyll a (271,83 mmol/m2), chlorophyll b (111,73 mmol/m2), and total chlorophyll (389,83 mmol/m2). However, the treatment did not significantly affect the application of rice husk biochar and the consortium's biofertilizers was the stomatal density parameter (264,12 mm2).

Wheat Straw Biochar Produced at a Low Temperature Enhanced Maize Growth and Yield by Influencing Soil Properties of Typic calciargid

Arid and semi-arid soils are low in organic matter and have poor fertility, making them a serious threat to crop production. Most organic amendments, such as crop residues and farmyard manure, are short lived because of rapid decomposition. Incubation and pot studies were conducted to assess the impact of wheat straw biochar (produced at 350 °C) on temporal changes in soil microbial biomass and fertility status and to evaluate the efficacy of biochar for maize production in the top layer of Typic calciargid. The incubation study compared four levels of biochar (control, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% on a w/w basis of soil) and two fertilizer rates, i.e., unfertilized (no NPK fertilizer) and fertilized (nitrogen, P2O5 and K2O with rates of 125, 80 and 52.5 mg kg−1 soil, respectively). After incubation, the 2.0% biochar significantly improved the soil cation exchange capacity, organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon by up to 35, 59 and 26%, respectively, while decreasing the soil pH by up to 1.5% compared to that of the control treatment. When fertilized, the 2.0% biochar improved the soil’s available phosphorous, extractable potassium and total nitrogen by up to 59, 39 and 28%, respectively, compared to those of the control. The results from the pot experiment showed that using the 1% biochar with fertilizer significantly increased the maize dry biomass and grain yield by up to 57 and 72%, respectively, compared to those of the control. Additionally, the nitrogen and phosphorus recoveries from the mineral fertilizers improved significantly (up to 26 and 38%, respectively) when using the 1.0% biochar compared to those of the control. Conclusively, the addition of 1.0% biochar significantly improved maize growth and yield by enhancing nutrient recovery from mineral fertilizer and improving soil properties.

Influence of Different Levels of NPK and Biochar on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Field Pea

An experiment was conducted during in Rabi season (December 2021 – March 2022) on central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three levels of NPK and Biochar (0, 50 and 100%). The result shows that application of different levels combination of inorganic fertilizers increased growth, yield of field pea and improved soil chemical properties. It was recorded from the application of NPK and Biochar fertilizers in treatment T9 [NPK @ 100% + Biochar @ 100%] maximum bulk density 1.274 Mg m-3 at and 1.279 Mg m-3, particle density 2.518 Mg m-3 and 1.523 Mg m-3, % pore space 47.71% and 44.68%, water holding capacity 39.75% and 36.82%, pH 7.05 at and 7.15 at, EC 0.473 dS m-1 and 0.479 dS m-1, organic carbon 0.497% and 0.495%, available nitrogen 314.56 kg ha-1 and 311.55 kg ha-1, available phosphorus 38.70 kg ha-1 and 36.28 kg ha-1, available potassium 220.42 kg ha-1 and 217.67 kg ha-1 all parameters at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm best from T1 [ NPK @ 0% + Biochar @ 0 %].

Modeling biochar-soil depth dependency on fecal coliform straining under subsurface drip irrigation

Biochar has several benefits for soil, including improved flow and retention properties that decrease bacterial transport. To improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms and optimal irrigation strategies for contaminated gray water, we conducted a lysimeter study exploring impacts of biochar level (0, 0.5, and 1% w/w) and 30-days irrigation regime (0.003 and 0.0064 cm h−1). Biochar did not change hydraulic properties but at maximum allowable depletion (MAD) of 30, 50, and 70% biochar had a large impact on fecal coliform retention. At 15–25 cm depth where the subsurface dripper was located, 1% biochar-treated soil had 1.5 times greater retention than the controls. A combination of the lower irrigation rate (0.003 vs. 0.0064 cm h−1) and the greater biochar (1% vs. 0.5%) had greater impacts on bacteria inactivation and retention than the MAD levels. Nevertheless, adding 1% biochar resulted in a 2-fold increase of bacteria retention for 30% MAD and low flow rate than greater flow rates and MAD levels (50 and 70%). Our results provided novel data for inverse optimization to explore bacteria retention by differences in bacteria attachment, straining, survival or growth. Close to the irrigation dripper, straining was the pronounced mechanism under the best performing treatment of 1% biochar and 30% MAD. Therefore, we recommend application of biochar at the rate of 1% where wastewater is used for subsurface drip irrigation.

Assessing combined effects of biochar concentrations and different fertilizer applications on physicochemical properties of a sandy loamy soil

Biochar application in the soil is a major strategy for modifying or improving its physicochemical properties, while soil fertility can be boosted by fertilizer application. The process of soil amendment was explored to investigate the impact of combined biochar and fertilizer treatments on soil properties and yield of New Rice for Africa (NERICA 2) upland rice variety. A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment was conducted using three different fertilizer types, three different biochar concentrations, and two sets of control each, with zero biochar and zero fertilizer. The biochar levels were 0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 10 t/ha, and 15 t/ha, while the fertilizer types were zero fertilizer, liquid organic fertilizer (LOF), solid fertilizer (NPK), and farmyard poultry manure (PM). A drip irrigation system with the completed layout captured the entire set-up, while soil properties were measured before soil treatment, post-season 1, and post-season 2. A significant increase in particle density from 3 3 3 3 2.51 g/cm3 to 2.56 g/cm3 was recorded while bulk density decreased from 1.42 g/cm3 to 1.41 g/cm3 , and soil textural classification remained relatively unchanged. Organic carbon, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation increased from their respective pre-treatment values. Also, soil pH improved significantly from 6.38 to 6.37. There was a better improvement in soil properties, which resulted in increased paddy rice yield with an average value of 6.36 t/ha obtained using NPK with a biochar concentration of 15 t/ha (NPKB15) treatment. This is an equivalent of approximately 400% increase in yield compared to the zero fertilizer and zero biochar (FOBO) treatment yield of 1.14 t/ha. NPK fertilizer at a biochar concentration of 15 t/ha, gave the best result in the soil's physical and chemical properties and is recommended for rice production.

Effect of biochar on tungsten bioavailability and uptake grown in a soil with artificially tungsten contaminated

<p>Tungsten (W) is an emerging contaminant because of its potential toxicity to humans, and biochar (BC) is widely used for soil heavy metal remediation. However, W-biochar-plant interactions remain unknown. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of rice-husk BC on W uptake by lettuce. Different levels of BC (0%, 1%, 2% and 5% w/w) were incorporated into the soil and incubated for 60 days. The result shows that BC application immobilized W in soil, and transformed acid extractable fraction and reducible fraction to residual fraction with unstudied mechanism. Meanwhile, BC application increased the shoot height, root length, biomass, and chlorophyll of lettuce compared with control treatment. As compared to control, the accumulation of W in shoot and root was decreased, and the lowest translocation factor (root to shoot) was observed in 5% BC treatment. The results suggested that the main profit of BC to reduce mobilizing of W to proximal water. Besides, the application of BC was effective in W immobilization and reducing uptake to lettuce.</p>

Effect of Microbial Enriched Biochar with Fertilizer Doses on Soil Properties and Yield under Soybean (Glycine max) –Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Cropping Sequence

Aims: To find out the Effect of different levels of microbial enriched biochar with fertilizer doses on soil properties and yield under Soybean (Glycine max) –Wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping sequence. Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at BAIF-Central Research Station, Urulikanchan, Ta. Haveli, Dist. Pune Maharashtra, India, during July 2021 to April 2022. Methodology: The charcoal powder is treated with the different bio fertilizers viz. Rhizobium, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), and Trichoderma. The farmyard manure at the rate of 10 tons per ha was mixed equally in all the treatments.The reduced recommended dose of chemical fertilizers in Soybean and wheat was 50% and 75%, where the microbial enriched biochar was applied to the soil at the rate of 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 tha-1 (Table-1). In the Kharif, the var. JS 335 (Soybean) and in the Rabi season, Wheat (var. Ankur Kedar) was sown in the same field. The charcoal was prepared and this wet microbial-enriched Biochar was used as per the treatment combinations in both the crops (Table 1). Results: In Soybean crop all the growth parameters recorded highest readings and also a higher grain yield (25.89 qha-1) and straw yield (27.49 qha-1) and in Wheat all the growth parameters recorded highest readings and also higher grain yield of (43.19 qha-1) and straw yield of (45.78 qha-1) was recorded (Table 2 & 4) in treatment T3 (Biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 + 75 % GRDF) and it is at par with GRDF. Conclusion: It is concluded that in (T3) the application of microbial-enriched Biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 + 75 % GRDF has given significantly higher grain yield (Soybean: 25.89 qha-1 and Wheat: 43.19 qha-1) and straw yield (Soybean: 27.49 qha-1 and wheat: 45.78 qha-1) over the GRDF in both Soybean and Wheat cropping sequence.

Effect of Microbial Enriched Biochar with Fertilizer Doses on Soil Properties and Yield under Soybean (Glycine max) –Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Cropping Sequence

Aims: To find out the Effect of different levels of microbial enriched biochar with fertilizer doses on soil properties and yield under Soybean (Glycine max) –Wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping sequence.
 Study Design: Randomized Block Design (RBD).
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at BAIF-Central Research Station, Urulikanchan, Ta. Haveli, Dist. Pune Maharashtra, India, during July 2021 to April 2022.
 Methodology: The charcoal powder is treated with the different bio fertilizers viz. Rhizobium, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), and Trichoderma. The farmyard manure at the rate of 10 tons per ha was mixed equally in all the treatments.The reduced recommended dose of chemical fertilizers in Soybean and wheat was 50% and 75%, where the microbial enriched biochar was applied to the soil at the rate of 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 tha-1 (Table-1). In the Kharif, the var. JS 335 (Soybean) and in the Rabi season, Wheat (var. Ankur Kedar) was sown in the same field. The charcoal was prepared and this wet microbial-enriched Biochar was used as per the treatment combinations in both the crops (Table 1).
 Results: In Soybean crop all the growth parameters recorded highest readings and also a higher grain yield (25.89 qha-1) and straw yield (27.49 qha-1) and in Wheat all the growth parameters recorded highest readings and also higher grain yield of (43.19 qha-1) and straw yield of (45.78 qha-1) was recorded (Table 2 & 4) in treatment T3 (Biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 + 75 % GRDF) and it is at par with GRDF.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that in (T3) the application of microbial-enriched Biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 + 75 % GRDF has given significantly higher grain yield (Soybean: 25.89 qha-1 and Wheat: 43.19 qha-1) and straw yield (Soybean: 27.49 qha-1 and wheat: 45.78 qha-1) over the GRDF in both Soybean and Wheat cropping sequence.

Insight into mechanisms of biochar-fertilizer induced of microbial community and microbiology of nitrogen cycle in acidic soil

Biochar has been shown to affect the nitrogen (N) cycle in soil, however, it is unknown how this occurs. Therefore, we used metabolomics, high-throughput sequencing, and quantitative PCR to explore biochar and nitrogen fertilizer effects on the mitigation mechanisms of adverse environments in acidic soil. In the current research, we used acidic soil and maize straw biochar (pyrolyzed at 400 °C with limited oxygen). Three maize straw biochar levels (B1; 0t ha−1, B2; 45 t ha−1, and B3; 90 t ha−1) along with three N fertilizer (urea) levels (N1; 0 kg ha−1, N2; 225 kg ha−1 mg kg−1, and N3; 450 kg ha−1 mg kg−1) were employed in a sixty-day pot experiment. We found that the formation of NH+ 4-N was faster at 0–10 days, while the formation of NO- 3-N occurred at 20–35 days. Furthermore, the combined application of biochar and N fertilizer most effectively boosted soil inorganic N contents compared to biochar and N fertilizer treatments alone. The B3 treatment increased the total N and total inorganic N by 0.2–24.2% and 55.2–91.7%, respectively. Soil microorganism, N fixation, and nitrification capabilities increased with biochar and N fertilizer addition in terms of N-cycling-functional genes. Biochar-N fertilizer had a greater impact on the soil bacterial community and their diversity and richness. Metabolomics revealed 756 distinct metabolites, including 8 substantially upregulated metabolites and 21 significantly downregulated metabolites. A significant amount of lipids and organic acids were formed by biochar-N fertilizer treatments. Thus, biochar and N fertilizer triggered soil metabolism by affecting bacterial community structure, and N-cycling of the soil micro-ecological environment.

Impact of biochar on the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) under drought stress.

Undeviating climatic instabilities have increased the incidents of drought. Crop performance and yield attributes of tomatoes are negatively affected by drought stress. Biochar is an organic amendment that can increase crop yield and nutritional value under water-deficient conditions by retaining water and providing nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace elements). The present study was designed to investigate the effects of biochar on tomato plant physiology, yield, and nutritional quality under deficit moisture regimes. Plants were subjected to two biochar levels (0.1% and 0.2%) and four moisture levels [100%, 70%, 60%, and 50% field capacities (FCs)]. Drought stress, especially 50D (50% FC), severely affected the plant morphology, physiology, yield, and fruit quality attributes. However, plants grown in biochar-amended soil showed significant increase in the studied attributes. Plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight of root, the number of fruits per plant, fruit fresh and dry weight, ash percent, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, and lycopene contents were increased in plants grown in biochar-amended soil under control and drought stress. Biochar at 0.2% application rate depicted a more pronounced increment in the studied parameters than 0.1% and can save 30% water without compromising tomato crop yield and nutritional value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Mineral Biochar Alters the Biochemical and Microbial Properties of the Soil and the Grain Yield of Hordeum vulgare L. under Drought Stress

Biochar improves soil physical, biochemical, and microbial properties, leading to the amelioration of soil fertility, which, in turn, results in better growth and yield in crop plants. The current study aimed to evaluate whether using different levels of biochar can enhance soil characteristics and plant attributes. Accordingly, an experimental study was conducted in 2022 using a randomized complete block design with four replications (n = 4) in the experimental glasshouse of the University of Zanjan, in which two regimes of irrigation (D0, full irrigation as the control; D1, water scarcity was applied immediately after the flowering stage for two weeks) and four levels of natural mineral biochar (0% as the control treatment, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% of soil weight) were applied. The results indicated that drought substantially decreased the organic carbon content of the soil and the grain yield while increasing the available phosphorous, soil carbohydrate content, and microbial biomass of the soil. Biochar could considerably alter the means of the studied soil quality parameters and the barley grain yield. Adding biochar could be considered a valid strategy to increase the resistance of plants to drought.

Partial Substitution of Urea with Biochar Induced Improvements in Soil Enzymes Activity, Ammonia-Nitrite Oxidizers, and Nitrogen Uptake in the Double-Cropping Rice System.

Biochar is an important soil amendment that can enhance the biological properties of soil, as well as nitrogen (N) uptake and utilization in N-fertilized crops. However, few studies have characterized the effects of urea and biochar application on soil biochemical traits and its effect on paddy rice. Therefore, a field trial was conducted in the early and late seasons of 2020 in a randomized complete block design with two N levels (135 and 180 kg ha-1) and four levels of biochar (0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha-1). The treatment combinations were as follows: 135 kg N ha-1 + 0 t B ha-1 (T1), 135 kg N ha-1 + 10 t B ha-1 (T2), 135 kg N ha-1 + 20 t B ha-1 (T3), 135 kg N ha-1 + 30 t B ha-1 (T4), 180 kg N ha-1 + 0 t B ha-1 (T5), 180 kg N ha-1 + 10 t B ha-1 (T6), 180 kg N ha-1 + 20 t B ha-1 (T7) and 180 kg N ha-1 + 30 t B ha-1 (T8). The results showed that soil amended with biochar had higher soil pH, soil organic carbon content, total nitrogen content, and mineral nitrogen (NH4+-N and NO3--N) than soil that had not been amended with biochar. In both seasons, the 20 t ha-1 and 30 t ha-1 biochar treatments had the highest an average concentrations of NO3--N (10.54 mg kg-1 and 10.25 mg kg-1, respectively). In comparison to soil that had not been treated with biochar, the average activity of the enzymes urease, polyphenol oxidase, dehydrogenase, and chitinase was, respectively, 25.28%, 14.13%, 67.76%, and 22.26% greater; however, the activity of the enzyme catalase was 15.06% lower in both seasons. Application of biochar considerably increased the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which was 48% greater on average in biochar-amended soil than in unamended soil. However, there were no significant variations in the abundances of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) or nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) across treatments. In comparison to soil that had not been treated with biochar, the average N content was 24.46%, 20.47%, and 19.08% higher in the stem, leaves, and panicles, respectively. In general, adding biochar at a rate of 20 to 30 t ha-1 with low-dose urea (135 kg N ha-1) is a beneficial technique for improving the nutrient balance and biological processes of soil, as well as the N uptake and grain yield of rice plants.

The Ameliorating Effects of Biochar and Poultry Manure on the Properties of Two Degraded Soils and Sweet Potato Yield in Sub-Humid Nigeria

ABSTRACT Soil amendments and critical agronomic practices like biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) change soil characteristics and have a direct impact on soil sustainability and crop productivity. Hence, a two-year field trial was conducted in the forest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria at two locations (Owo – site A and Obasooto – site B) to examine the impacts of different levels of biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) on soil physical and chemical qualities, sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) growth, and yield. The experiment consisted of a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial layout with three replicates. The treatments applied at two locations were: four levels of biochar (B) (0, 10.0, 20.0 and 30.0 t ha−1) and three levels of poultry manure (PM) (0, 5.0 and 10.0 t ha−1). The biochar (B) and poultry manure (PM) significantly (p = .05) improved both soil physical and chemical properties, sweet potato growth and yield with their rates of application when compared to the control. In comparison to Owo (site A), Obasooto (site B) had significantly higher sweet potato growth and yield, and better soil properties. Application of 30.0 t ha−1 biochar (B) and 10.0 t ha−1 poultry manure (PM) had the best sweet potato growth and yield parameters of all the biochar (B) combined with poultry manure (PM) treatments.

Effects of intercropping forage turnip (Brassica rapa L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and applying vermicompost and biochar as soil amendments on quality and quantity of the forage turnip crop

ABSTRACT Intercropping is an ecological friendly technique that can increase sustainability of farming systems, whilst considered as low input systems. This 2-year (2018–2019) study aimed to assess the quality and quantity of forage production in intercropping systems with different densities of forage turnip and basil plants and with application of vermicompost and biochar. The treatments were: 100% forage turnip (monoculture); 90% forage turnip + 10% basil; 80% forage turnip + 20% basil; 70% forage turnip + 30% basil applied in main plots, and two vermicompost levels (15 and 18.5 t ha−1) and two biochar levels (0 and 5 t ha−1) applied in subplots. The highest dry matter yield, water-soluble carbohydrates, crude protein, digestibility of dry matter of leaf and root biomass parts of the turnip were recorded in the treatment with 70% forage turnip + 30% basil × vermicompost (18.5 t ha−1) × biochar. This treatment increased crude protein of the above-ground foliage (by 94.6%) and the root (by 87.5%) of the forage turnip, compared with monoculture. The highest acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre were recorded in monoculture × vermicompost 18.5 t ha−1 × biochar and the highest ash was recorded in 80% forage turnip + 20% basil × vermicompost 18.5 t ha−1 × biochar. Intercropping forage turnip and basil with biochar and vermicompost at 18.5 t ha−1 was preferable to monoculture with vermicompost at 15 t ha−1. Intercropping turnip and basil with application of biochar and vermicompost can be suggested to farmers as an alternative to monoculture.

Antagonistic impact on cadmium stress in alfalfa supplemented with nano-zinc oxide and biochar via upregulating metal detoxification.

Eco-toxicological estimation of cadmium induced damages by morpho-physiological and cellular response could be an insightful strategy to alleviate negative impact of Cd in agricultural crops. The current study revealed novel patterns of Cd-bioaccumulation and cellular mechanism opted by alfalfa to acquire Cd tolerance under various soil applied zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) doses (0, 30, 60, 90mgkg-1), combined with 2% biochar (BC). Herein, the potential impact of these soil amendments was justified by decreased Cd and increased Zn-bioaccumulation into roots by 38 % and 48 % and shoots by51 % and 72 % respectively, with co-exposure of nZnO with BC. As, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) ultrastructural observations confirmed that Cd-exposure induced stomatal closure, and caused damage to roots and leaves ultrastructure as compared to the control group. On the contrary, the damages to the above-mentioned traits were reversed by a higher nZnO dose, and the impact was further aggravated by adding BC along nZnO. Furthermore, higher nZnO and BC levels efficiently alleviated the Cd-mediated reductions in alfalfa biomass, antioxidant enzymatic response, and gaseous exchange traits than control. Overall, soil application of90mgkg-1 nZnO with BC (2 %) was impactful in averting Cd stress damages and ensuring better plant performance. Thereby, applying soil nZnO and BC emerge as promising green remediation techniques to enhance crop tolerance in Cd-polluted soil.

Effect of Adding Biochar to Ration on Productive Performance and Some Carcass Characteristics of Iraqi Awassi Lambs

This study was conducted at Department of Animal production farm College of Agriculture University of Tikrit from 6/12/2017 until 21/2/2018 (77days) . Sixteen Awassi lambs were used, aged 4-5 months and average weight 23.38±0.14 Kg . Lambs were divided in to four groups (four lambs at each group) according to their weight, treatments distributed randomly into the groups.Individual feeding was used which included four concentrate diet with different levels of biochar (0% ,1% , 2% and 3% ).Statistical analysis results showed that there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in the final weight for second group (1% biochar) compared with fourth group, also result showed a significant increase (P<0.05) for second group in the average daily gain and final body gain and feed conversion ratio compared with third and fourth groups. Also significant increase (P> 0.05) in the second group in hot and cold carcass weight and in the percentage Dressing based on hot and cold weight, relative to live weight as well as empty body weight and in Rib-eye muscle area compared with the other groups.
 

Synergistic use of biochar and the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in mitigating drought stress on oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) seedlings

The successful early establishment of seedlings is a challenging step for the management of forests in semi-arid regions, such as in the oak (Q. brantii) forests in western Iran. To address this challenge, we tested the separate and combined effects of different biofertilizers: we evaluated the influence of the application of biochar and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth of oak seedlings subjected to water stress in controlled conditions. Two acorns were sown in a total of 216 pots distributed according to the following treatments: 3 water treatments (100, 75 and 50 % of field capacity), 4 biochar treatments (0, 1, 2 and 3 % of soil weight), 2 PGPR treatments (absence or presence) in 9 replicates. Biochar was derived from mistletoe (Loranthus europaeus), a widespread hemi-parasite plant in the studied oak forests. After emergence, a total of 20 ecophysiological, morphological and growth traits were measured on oak seedlings. We found that the interaction between irrigation, biochar and PGPR significantly influenced the ecophysiological attributes of the seedlings. Comparing application to non-application of PGPR, we found that chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate and biomass of shoots were respectively increased by 21, 50 and 19 % in the absence of water stress and by 54, 14 and 18 % under severe water stress conditions. Moderate biochar concentrations improved seedling growth and ecophysiological responses whereas the highest concentration of biochar had a detrimental effect. A PLS path model revealed the direct and indirect relationships between the treatments, the seedling morpho-physiological traits and the final variable of interest (total dry biomass). The model explained 78 % of the total variance and showed that the root growth indices (path coefficient = 0.665) had a significant direct effect on oak dry matter whereas this effect was reduced with shoot growth indices. We found that the use of moderate levels of biochar alone or in combination with PGPR can benefit oak seedling development in water-limited conditions but further studies are still needed to test the effectiveness and applicability of these treatments in field conditions.

Effect of biochar levels and integrated nutrient-management practices on agro-physiological performance and productivity of maize (Zea mays)

The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design, during the pre-rainy season of 2018 and 2019 at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hills Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, to study the effect of biochar and integrated nutrient management practices on agro-physiological performance and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). comprising 4 treatments, viz. B1 , (Control); B2 , (5 t/ha biochar); B3 , (10 t/ha biochar); B4 , (15 t/ha biochar) in factor A and factor B having 3 integrated nutrient-management (INM) practices NM1 [(100% recommended, viz. dose of nitrogen (RDN)]; NM2 [(75% RDN + 25% FYM)]; NM3 (50% RDN + 50% FYM), in 3 replications. The results showed that an application of biochar @ 15 t/ha resulted in significantly higher plant height (171.4 and 177.1 cm) and dry-matter accumulation (393.1 and 401.5 g/plant) at harvesting stage, leaf area index (LAI) at 60 days after sowing (4.78 and 4.85) and 90 days after sowing (DAS) (5.45 and 5.52), crop-growth rate (CGR) at 30–60 days after sowing (37.3 and 38 g/m2/day). This treatment also resulted in significantly higher kernel/cob (267.8 and 275.8), rows/cob (20.7 and 21), kernel/row (19.9 and 21.8), kernel (4.43 and 4.49 t/ha) and stover yield (7.02 and 7.07 t/ha), total nitrogen uptake (141.8 and 140.4 kg/ha), total phosphorus uptake (23.8 and 23.6 kg/ha), total potassium uptake (115.9 and 114 kg/ha) and gross returns (102,664 and 104,023 `/ha) in 2018 and 2019 as compared to the other treatments. In the case of INM practices, significantly higher plant height (161.6 cm) and drymatter accumulation at the harvesting stage (367.2 g/plant), leaf area index at 60 days after sowing (4.60) and 90 days after sowing (5.23), crop growth rate (34 g/m2 /day) at 30–60 days after sowing, kernels/cob (234.9), rows/cob (18.4), kernel/row (19.0), kernel (4.15 t/ha) and stover yield (6.56 t/ha), total nitrogen uptake (125.6 kg/ha), total phosphorus uptake (21.4 kg/ha), total potassium uptake (100.7 kg/ha) and gross return (95,931 `/ha) were noticed under 75% RDN + 25% FYM during the first year, while during the second year significantly higher plant height (167.6 cm) and dry-matter accumulation at harvesting stage (375.7 g/plant), leaf area index at 60 days after sowing (4.69) and 90 days after sowing (5.31), crop growth rate (35.2 g/m2 /day) at 30–60 days after sowing, kernels/ cob (241.0), rows/cob (18.7), kernel/row (20.8), kernel (4.25 t/ha) and stover yield (6.63 t/ha), total nitrogen uptake (125.1 kg/ha), total phosphorus uptake (21.5 kg/ha) and total potassium uptake (99.1 kg/ha) were recorded under 50% RDN + 50% FYM than the control, but gross returns (95,931 `/ha) were noticed under 75% RDN + 25 FYM. The best alternative choice for maize production in the India Himalayan area or other similar ecoregions may be the use of biochar @ 15 t/ha together with the concomitant application of 50% RDN + 50% FYM.