Biochar: Effects on crop growth

Abstract

Excessive tonnage of agricultural wastes from annual and field crops are generated yearly in Malaysia. The improper treatment such as open burning of residual biomass after the harvesting of rice plantcan affect global warming. The processing of agricultural wastes into biochar through pyrolysis has gained tremendous interest globally. A field trial to compare effectiveness on rice growth of variety MR 263 using rice husk and paddy straw biochar was determinedby application of four different rates of biochar 300 g, 600 g, 900 g and control (without biochar). Plant growth analysis based on average plant height was optimum with addition of 900 g rice husk biochar. A greenhouse trial using oil palm and rubber seedlings as indicatorswith application of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g rice husk biochar and paddy straw biochar to the soil showed the highest plant height for treatment with 10 g biochar, ranging from 64.7 to 68.9 cm. Plant heights were slightly lower at higher levels of biochar added. From this study, application of biochar to the growth medium increased soil fertility as indicated by growth enhancement in soils enriched with rice husk biochar and paddy straw biochar.