Biochar-Based Fertilizer Improved Crop Yields and N Utilization Efficiency in a Maize–Chinese Cabbage Rotation System

Abstract

Optimizing fertilization strategies is crucial for obtaining high crop yields and efficient N utilization. This study aimed to understand the potential increase in crop yield and the N utilization efficiency under biochar-based fertilizer (BF) in a maize–Chinese cabbage rotation system. Biochar-based slow-release fertilizer (BF) is an important nutrient-efficient management strategy. The yields and growth-related traits of the crops, N utilization efficiency, quality, and dynamic changes in soil inorganic N in a maize-cabbage rotation system were investigated in a pot experiment under three N fertilizer application strategies in 2019–2020; the maize stage included (1) zero-N fertilizer, i.e., control (N 0 g pot−1); (2) NPK (N 5.25 g pot−1); and (3) BF (N 5.25 g pot−1). The Chinese cabbage stage included (1) zero-N fertilizer, i.e., control (N 0 g pot−1); (2) NPK (N 6.25 g pot−1); and (3) BF (N 6.25 g pot−1). Compared with the CK and NPK treatments, the BF treatment had the highest average maize and Chinese cabbage yields at 86.99 g plant−1 and 498.88 g plant−1, respectively. BF improved the plant height, stem diameter, and ear height of maize and the leaf length, leaf width, and leaf number of Chinese cabbage, as well as increased the N utilization efficiency of maize and cabbage. BF increased the starch content of maize grain and the amino acid, sugar, and vitamin C contents of cabbage. In the critical growth stages of maize and Chinese cabbage, BF application increased the content of soil inorganic N, which coincided with the nutrient requirements in the critical growth stages of the crops. Overall, BF is an effective method to improve crop yield and N utilization in the maize–Chinese cabbage rotation systems and is a fertilization strategy with broad applicability prospects.

The Role of Biochar Nanoparticles Performing as Nanocarriers for Fertilizers on the Growth Promotion of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa (Pekinensis Group))

“…In a study that used green fluorescent protein to study YL6 colonization of Chinese cabbage roots, the biomass of the colonized plants increased 400% as compared with that of noncolonized plants [31]. It was reported that N additions did not significantly improve Chinese cabbage or maize growth [32], and we found that N has no significant relationship with the Chinese cabbage growth (Figure 1a). Our findings are in accordance with those of this previous study.…”

Biochar – a sustainable soil conditioner for improving soil health, crop production and environment under changing climate: a review

“…Soil applied with 10 t ha -1 of biochar exhibited the greatest average pH compared to control soil registering lowest value (18). Incubation experiment conducted by Zhao et al (43), employing various crop straw derived biochar having varied pH from 7.69 to 10.26. The results revealed that the application of multiple biochars at 1% and 2% w/w significantly lowered the soil pH in Ultisol (pH 4.31).…”

“…The incorporation of biochar into soil enhances its EC. It has been demonstrated that biochars generated at higher pyrolysis temperatures, especially those derived from wood and paper waste, showcase higher EC (43). Paradoxically, this rise in alkalinity proved counterproductive, impeding the growth and development of halophytic plants.…”

Fertilizers Based on Biochar and Compost from Various Livestock Manures Increase Soil Fertility and Red Chili Yields

“…crease soil fertility [4][5][6][7] as well as provide economic benefits [8,9]. Analysis of the topsoil carbon balance indicates that approximately 40% of the carbon-rich biochar appears to have been lost through mineralization, erosion, or vertical displacement [10].…”