Comparative effects of biochar and NPK on wheat crops under different management systems

Abstract

As a multi-beneficial amendment, biochar is very useful to be applied for improving soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the influence of wood biochar and mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilisers viz, [(control; 100% NPK (120:90:60 kg ha−1); 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar; 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar; 25% NPK + 15 tonne biochar and 20 tonne biochar ha−1)] on wheat yield and soil properties under different management practices [(raised bed (more than 30 cm above the ground) and flat-bed)]. Split plot two factors randomised completed block (RCB) design with three replications were used where management practices were placed to main plot, while treatments were assigned to subplots. Maximum spike length, grain per spike, 1000 grain weight, grain and biological yield were obtained with application of 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 under both raised and flat-bed, which were statistically at par to 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1. The grain and biological yield observed at 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar and 50% NPK + 10 tonne biochar ha−1 were significantly higher than that of 20 tonne biochar ha−1. However, maximum soil organic matter, extractable P and K contents with slight increases in soil pH and EC was observed at 20 tonne biochar ha−1. Moreover, almost all agronomic parameters were significantly better in raised bed compared to flat-bed sowing. Hence, the present study suggested that 75% NPK + 5 tonne biochar ha−1 is suitable for improving wheat yield and soil properties.

Managing Phosphorus Availability from Organic and Inorganic Sources for Optimum Wheat Production in Calcareous Soils

“…The conversions of phosphorus through mineralization and immobilization processes alter the availability of P in topsoil and affect its supply to plants. According to different crop scientists, the average recovery of phosphorus from phosphate fertilizer is less than 45 percent in the first year of application [5]. It makes numerous kinds of fixations with others elements such as aluminum, iron and calcium and converts into an insoluble P compound [6], depending upon the soil pH.…”

Combined application of plant growth-promoting bacteria and iron oxide nanoparticles ameliorates the toxic effects of arsenic in Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.)

“…Heavy metal contamination of agricultural lands has become an emerging environmental issue worldwide ( Saleem et al., 2020b ; Saleem et al., 2020f ; Afzal et al., 2021 ; Amna Ali et al., 2021 ; Farooq et al., 2022 ). This problem is becoming a serious threat to humans and animals because of the entry of heavy metals in the food web ( Salam et al., 2022 ; Tariq et al., 2022 ; Ullah et al., 2022 ). High concentrations of heavy metals significantly reduce plant productivity and crop yields ( Javed et al., 2020 ; Rana et al., 2020 ; Saleem et al., 2020c ; Alsafran et al., 2022a ).…”

Principles and Applicability of Integrated Remediation Strategies for Heavy Metal Removal/Recovery from Contaminated Environments

“…A few waste-derived fertilizer products have also been discovered to contain high levels of dioxins (measured in parts per trillion) in their composition (Abubakari et al 2017). Phosphorus is widely used in fertilizer production; nevertheless, its widespread use contributes significantly to the accumulation of heavy metals in soil (Alam et al 2022;Alatawi et al 2022b;Sarwar et al 2022;Ullah et al 2022). It has been demonstrated that water-insoluble phosphorus fertilizers cause the formation of Phosphate rocks, which play a key role in the immobilization of metals in soils via metal phosphate precipitation (Saleem et al 2022a).…”