Interactive effects of biochar and micronutrients on faba bean growth, symbiotic performance, and soil properties

Abstract

Leguminous crops are significantly involved in the global symbiotic biological N2 Fixation (BNF), an eco‐friendly process in the agriculture system. Biochar is considered as a vital amendment in improving growth and quality of crops and soils. Few investigations have been conducted to determine the combination effect of biochar with microelements on growth of legumes and soil properties. This study was designed to study the effect of soybean straw‐derived biochar (SSDB) with or without microelements on soil microbial and chemical properties, growth, yield, and seed chemical composition of faba bean (Vicia faba L.). Results revealed that dehydrogenase (DHA) and phosphatase (P‐ase) activities were markedly improved with the increase of SSDB rates under addition of microelements and their highest values were recorded after 90 d. Significant increases were noticed in nodulation activities, nodulation numbers (30.1–72.8), concentrations of N (1.62–1.93%), P (0.15–0.21%), and K (0.53–0.67%), and seed chemical constituents due to the addition of SSDB in the presence of microelements. Moreover, the combination of biochar with microelements caused significant changes in microbial counts. Overall, this investigation shows the potential and role of SSDB in enhancing the growth quality of faba bean seeds as well as an improvement of soil characteristics.

Effect of rhizobial inoculants and micronutrients on yield and yield components of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) on vertisol of Wereillu district, South Wollo, Ethiopia

“…In contest with this study, other findings revealed that foliar spraying of zinc enhanced soybean yield, and number and weight of seeds plant −1 (Kobraee et al, 2011). Similarly, Mohamed et al (2017) stated that application of micro nutrients like zinc significantly affected 100 seed weight of faba bean. Gizawy and Mehasen (2009) also confirmed that application of zinc significantly increased 100 seed weight of faba bean compared to the control treatment.…”

Interactive Effects of Biochar, Nitrogen, and Phosphorous on the Symbiotic Performance, Growth, and Nutrient Uptake of Soybean (Glycine max L.)

“…Similar results were found for cowpea, whereas the application of maize biochar significantly enhanced nodule number, shoot biomass, and grain yield, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus contents [38]. Mohamed et al [13] observed increased nodule numbers and contents of N, P, and K in plant tissue of faba bean grown in soil amended with soybean straw-derived biochar, with or without amendments of N, P and K. Yusif et al [39] found a synergistic effect of rhizobia and biochar addition on groundnut nodulation, growth and development.…”

“…An increased N concentration in plant tissue of beans was also reported by Rondon et al [59]. The combined effect of biochar and nutrients such as N, P, and K on total P and K uptake of faba bean was reported by Mohamed et al [13]. The increases in nitrogen acquisition may be related to improved soybean nodulation and N 2 fixation after biochar application [49,59].…”

“…It has also been reported that biochar improves the symbiotic performance of legumes with rhizobia, thus enhancing N 2 fixation and nitrogen supply to the plants [11]. Increased nodulation in the roots of soybean [12], faba bean [13], and chickpea [9] in soils amended with biochar was observed, indicating the positive impact of biochar on the symbiotic performance of the plant with rhizobia. The positive effect of biochar on bacterial colonization was explained by improved habitat conditions in biochar pores and the supply of air and nutrients for bacterial growth [14][15][16].…”

Soil Amendment With Different Maize Biochars Improves Chickpea Growth Under Different Moisture Levels by Improving Symbiotic Performance With Mesorhizobium ciceri and Soil Biochemical Properties to Varying Degrees

“…(Graber et al, 2010), maize (Islami et al, 2011), and wheat (Alburquerque et al, 2014) after biochar amendment. Moreover, nodule number in the cases of soybean (Mete et al, 2015) and faba bean (Mohamed et al, 2017) significantly increased due to the addition of biochar to the soil, indicating improved symbiotic performance of the plant with rhizobia. Concerning soil biochemical properties, enzyme activities were studied to rate or monitor soil fertility and productivity (Dempster et al, 2012; Song et al, 2018).…”