INCREMENTO DE RENTABILIDAD EN PRODUCCIÓN DEL MAÍZ EN PERÚ: NFERTILIZANTES Y BIOCHA

Abstract

While many studies have focused on the agronomic advantage of using biochar, few studies have analyzed its economic benefits in agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of biochar application in different concentrations with granular nitrogen fertilizers, to assess a possible strategy for profitable use of biochar in conventional agriculture. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with 5 replicates per treatment. Soil fertility treatments were: 1) 0 kg Urea 2) 380.5 kg Urea / ha, 3) 285 kg Urea + 95 kg biochar / ha, 4) 190 kg Urea + 190 kg biochar / ha. After four months of treatment application, the finished corn grain was harvested and dried to determine the weight. The obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukeys HSD test. We identified considerable economic benefits of using biochar as a co-product with granular nitrogen fertilizers in corn cultivation, obtaining an increase in crop yield and higher profitability, when compared to use of granular nitrogen fertilizer alone.