Development and production of maize as a function of biochar rates

Abstract

Poultry litter biochar has shown to be promising in crop development and production. On this basis, this study was developed to investigate the influence of increasing rates of poultry litter biochar on the growth and production of maize hybrid BRS 2022. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with six biochar rates (0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.1, 8.1 and 10.1 t ha-1) and four replicates. Plots consisted of pots with a volume of 20 dm3, with one plant each. The following variables were evaluated at 83 days after sowing: plant height; first-ear insertion height; stem diameter; number of leaves; leaf area; internode length and number; stem, leaf and total dry weights; ear weight; grain weight per plant; 1000-grain weight; and ear length and diameter. Biochar application influenced plant height; first-ear insertion height; stem diameter; leaf area; internode length; and stem, leaf and total dry weights, having a positive impact in increasing in ear weight, grain weight per plant, 1000-grain weight and ear length and diameter. For the conditions in which the experiment was conducted, the recommended biochar rate to obtain the best results is 6.4 t ha-1