Agricultural Waste Biochars Improve Soil, Growth, and Nutrients in Maize Plants

Jenn Hoskins
5th June, 2024

Agricultural Waste Biochars Improve Soil, Growth, and Nutrients in Maize Plants

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Bahauddin Zakariya University in Pakistan found that acidified poultry manure biochar significantly improved maize seedling growth compared to other biochars
  • Acidified biochars decreased soil and maize seedling nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and soil organic matter compared to non-acidified biochars
  • Despite the decrease, all biochar treatments (acidified and non-acidified) provided higher nutrient and organic matter levels than control treatments
Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. It has gained attention for its potential benefits in carbon sequestration, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting sustainable agricultural production. A recent study conducted by Bahauddin Zakariya University explored the effects of acidified and non-acidified biochars on seed germination, soil properties, and nutrient content in maize crops[1]. The study investigated biochars prepared from various organic wastes, including rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud, and vegetable waste. These biochars were acidified and then applied to soil in a series of pot experiments. The treatments included a control and both acidified and non-acidified biochars applied at a rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as the test crop. Results showed that acidified poultry manure biochar significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings compared to other biochars and their respective control plants. However, acidified biochars led to a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil and maize seedlings, as well as soil organic matter, compared to non-acidified biochars. Nonetheless, all biochar treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents compared to control treatments. This study builds upon previous research that has shown the benefits of biochar in various soil and plant systems. For instance, earlier studies have demonstrated that biochars can stabilize soil organic matter and sequester carbon, leading to improved soil health and fertility[2]. Additionally, biochar has been shown to reduce the uptake of toxic trace elements like cadmium in plants, thereby enhancing plant growth and yield[3]. The current study expands on these findings by examining the effects of acidified biochars on soil properties and plant growth. The acidification of biochars prior to their application to alkaline soils appears to alter soil chemistry, resulting in better maize growth. This is an important finding, as it suggests that modifying biochars can enhance their effectiveness in specific soil types. Moreover, the study highlights the need for further research to understand the long-term effects of modified biochars on nutrient dynamics in different soils. This includes evaluating the effects of biochar application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species systematically. In summary, the study conducted by Bahauddin Zakariya University demonstrates that acidified poultry manure biochar significantly improves maize seedling growth compared to other biochars. While acidified biochars decrease nutrient contents and soil organic matter compared to non-acidified biochars, they still provide higher levels of nutrients and organic matter than control treatments. These findings suggest that acidified biochars could be a valuable tool for enhancing soil fertility and crop production, particularly in alkaline soils. However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of biochar modifications on soil and plant health.

AgricultureEnvironmentPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Agricultural waste-based modified biochars differentially affected the soil properties, growth, and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) plants

Published 4th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05202-5

Related Studies

2) Kinetics of carbon mineralization of biochars compared with wheat straw in three soils.

https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2011.0058

3) Application of co-composted farm manure and biochar increased the wheat growth and decreased cadmium accumulation in plants under different water regimes.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125809


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