Effect of biochar on the growth and yield of cotton and maize: A review

Abstract

Improper management of soil along with exhaustive monocropping practices have led to loss of soil structure, salinity and erosion and thereby decreasing the soil productivity. Furthermore, misappropriate application of synthetic fertilizers have driven contamination of food and water, pollution of environment creating an endangerment to human health. Therefore, an urgent need to find an alternative solution in improving the soil health without reduction in the productivity from a unit area in a sustainable manner is of prime focus. This review is related to biochar, its role in improving soil fertility in combination with fertilizers and manures on growth and yield of cotton and maize crop. The retention and mobilization of nutrients in biochar applied soil tremendously aid in increasing the fertilizer use efficiency. Moreover, studies have shown improved germination and biomass accumulation over time along with better yield attributes and yield of most crops which majorly include cotton and maize. This lays a foundation to utilize abundantly available problematic plant Prospis sp. and crop residues like cotton and maize from agricultural fields for biochar preparation rather than burning thus supporting in the reduction of global warming issues.