The effect of biochar on soil organic matter, total n in soil and plant, nodules, grain yield and biomass of mung bean

Abstract

A field experiment was performed at Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan to evaluate the effect of biochar on soil and plant nitrogen and yielding parameters of mung bean. The experiment was performed in randomize complete block design with split plot arrangement with four replications. Area of each experimental unit was 10.5 m2 and was applied with biochar at the rate of 0, 20, and 40 t ha-1 along with full and half levels of P and K i-e., (90 kg P, 60 kg K ha-1 and 45 kg P, 30 kg K ha-1 ). Nitrogen was applied to all the experimental units uniformly @ 25 kg N ha-1 . The data showed that all of the analyzed parameters were significantly influenced with various biochar levels except fresh and dry weight of nodules. With full and half dose of P and K application, soil total N and soil organic matter were found significant with an increase of 16% and 7% as compared to half dose. With application of various levels of biochar, a significant increase was recorded in most of the parameters. Data regarding Soil N and soil O.M were found significantly enhanced at 40 t ha-1 with values of 0.15% and 2.64% which were 200% and 94% higher as compared to 0 t ha-1 biochar applications. Other parameters like 1000 grain weight, biological yield (fresh and dry), plant N and number of nodules were significantly affected with 20 t ha-1 biochar application which were increased by 20 %, 33%, 21% and 21% as compared to control. Combined application of P&K and biochar significantly affected soil total nitrogen i-e., 0.16% at (full×40 t ha-1 ) and nodulation number i-e., 36 at (half×20 t ha-1 ). It was concluded that biochar application @ 20 t ha-1 along with half levels of P and K, proved the best treatments combination for most of the plant parameters and hence they are recommended .