Biochar ageing improves soil properties, growth and yield of red radish (Raphanus sativus) in a Haplic Cambisol

Abstract

The use of biochar as a soil ameliorant has recently gained momentum. However, its application has been reported to have some adverse effects soon after the pyrolysis process. This study aimed to determine the effect of different biochar ageing methods and fertiliser applications on selected soil properties, growth, and yield of red radish (Raphanus sativus L.). A 2 x 3 factorial arrangement was used in a complete randomised design (CRD) with three replications. The factors were (1) biochar ageing at three levels, i.e., naturally aged biochar (NB), artificially aged biochar (AB), and fresh biochar (FB), and (2) fertiliser at two levels viz fertilised (F) and non-fertilised (NF). A control treatment (without biochar) was also included. Irrespective of the ageing method used, biochar application significantly increased soil pH, while fertiliser application significantly reduced soil pH throughout the experiment. Similarly, biochar application significantly increased soil hydraulic conductivity compared to the control. However, after ten weeks, significantly higher soil hydraulic conductivity was reported in treatments with AB biochar compared to both NB and FB. The application of fertiliser in biochar-amended soils improves the soil’s hydraulic properties and increases radish growth. The study concludes that AB biochar + fertiliser application improves soil properties and growth of radish.

Differential effects of cow dung and its biochar on Populus euphratica soil phosphorus effectiveness, bacterial community diversity and functional genes for phosphorus conversion

“…Therefore, when biochar is incorporated into the soil, it absorbs the declining gravity water and reduces the permeability of water, so that soil moisture and nutrients can be more easily preserved in the soil, which has a positive impact on the nutritional status of the soil. ( Nyambo et al., 2023 ).…”