Harvest index of pea plant and soil properties influenced by a two-year amendment of biocarbons under municipal wastewater irrigation in arid climate

Abstract

In this study, the influence of biochars, produced from cow manure and wood, on the harvest index of pea plants (Pisum sativum L.) and soil properties under groundwater and municipal wastewater irrigation was investigated. Biochars were applied at 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1 rates for two years. Yield biomass (pods) was higher under groundwater irrigation. As compared to control, amendment of biochar did not influence harvest index for both years, under irrigation treatments; however, as compared to wastewater irrigation, harvest index tended to be higher under groundwater irrigation. Soluble phosphorus level was higher in response to manure derived biochar under groundwater irrigation and nitrogen level was higher in response to lower rate of manure derived biochar under wastewater irrigation as compared to groundwater-irrigated soil. Under wastewater, macroaggregate stability was significantly increased within the soil as compared to groundwater irrigation, while; macroaggregates stability was observed in response of wood-derived biochar at higher rate under groundwater irrigation. Bacterial diversity was two-fold higher in the soil irrigated with groundwater as compared to the soil irrigated with wastewater.