Integrated application of biochar and chemical fertilizers improves growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) by altering soil biological heath

Abstract

Aim Integration of chemical and organic fertilizers not only improves soil biological health and plant growth but also reduces costs of agricultural production, and hence, is an economically feasible approach to sustain plant growth in developing countries. Methods We performed a field experiment to evaluate the impact of poultry litter derived biochar (BC; 10 and 20 t ha-1) with and without chemical fertilizers (CF) on soil nutrient availability, microbial abundance, and soil enzymatic activity. Results Combined application of BC and CF significantly increased soil nutritional status and organic carbon (SOC), and these improvements were more prominent at higher BC level (20 tons ha-1), which increased soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus by 27, 58, and 61%, respectively. Furthermore, BC20+CF treatment improved soil microbial abundances such as actinomycetes (24%), bacteria (70%), AMF (49%) and saprophytic fungi (38%). In terms of wheat growth and yield attributes, BC20+CF application enhanced spike length (55%), leaf area index (30%), tillers (12%), along with biological yield (26%) and grain yield (36%). BC20+CF application was also proved to be positively correlated with different soil enzymatic activities i.e., urease (24%), dehydrogenase (44%), and β-glucosidase (93%). Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis proved that co-application of BC @ 20 t ha-1 along with CF was the most efficient treatment in terms of improving soil nutrient status and microbial activities. Conclusions Hence, combined application of BC and CF could be an efficient tool to improve soil health, plant growth and reduce cost of agricultural production.