Effect of Biochar and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Soil Properties and Growth and Yield of Onion (Allium cepa) in Tropical Ethiopia

Abstract

Biochar is a carbon-rich product, which is processed by pyrolyzing biomass to improve soil properties and maintain environmental sustainability. This study aim was to investigate the effect of biochar and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties, growth, and yield. Four treatments and four replications have been used for the experimental plots using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Soil physiochemical properties have been investigated based on soil samples within 0–30 cm depth in each plot. The two types of biochar (grass and chat waste) have been used for the treatments. The pyrolyzing temperature required for grass and chat waste is 250°C and 1100°C, respectively. The plant height, total yield, and the marketable and nonmarketable yield of onion have been examined. The analysis showed that treatment with grass biochar and inorganic fertilizer had a similar effect on soil properties but chat (Catha edulis) biochar had a lower effect on soil properties. The total yield and days to 70% maturity have been increased due to the cumulative treatment of grass biochar and inorganic fertilizer. The biochar of grass and inorganic fertilizer have been significantly increased in marketable bulb yield, but unmarketable yield becomes decreased. The chat waste and controlled treatments shown an increased unmarketable yield and declined marketable bulb yield. Overall, biochar can substitute the inorganic fertilizer, which can help to improve the w soil fertility and environmental sustainability. Therefore, biochar has a win-win solution.

Biochar Production and Characteristics, Its Impacts on Soil Health, Crop Production, and Yield Enhancement: A Review

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Integrated Nutrient Management in Onion-A Review

“…Talwar Dilpreet et al (2017) 75% of suggested dose of NPK (suggested dose of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur for onion crop is 100:50:100:60 kg/ha)+ 5t/ha poultry manure and Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria and Azospirillum inoculation improved the nutrient availability and increased the photosynthesis rate, thereby increasing the quality parameters (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, soluble solids, and allyl propyl disulfide content in the bulb) and yield attributes (Mahala et al, 2018) 1/3 rd of recommended nitrogen through farmyard manure + vermicompost + neem cake + biofertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorous carriers. Better onion bulb yield and high production efficiency (Narkhede et al (2017) Complete dose of NPK fertilizers (125, 32.7 and 50 kg/ha) + vermicompost @ 25 t/ha onion production and good soil fertility management under the subtropical zone of Jammu (Gupta et al, 2019) Grass biochar (0.5 kg/m 2 ) combined with inorganic fertilizer (150kg/ha urea and 100 kg/ha Di Ammonium Phosphate appliedas soil application) increased soil nitrogen accumulation, improved soil properties, and high marketable bulb yield Aneseyee and Tekilil Wolde (2021).…”

Biochar Production Technologies from Agricultural Waste, Its Utilization in Agriculture and Current Global Biochar Market: A Comprehensive Review

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