Efficacy of Biochar in Maize (Zea Mays L.) Crops

The application of biochar without fertilizer (unfertilized biochar) and FYM treatment responded less as compared to combined application of biochar with fertilizer (fertilized biochar) in sandy loam soil. The Parameter like dry matter yield, plant height, chlorophyll content was adjudged as ideal parameter in fertilized and unfertilized biochar and FYM for increasing overall growth of maize crop. The application of maize stover biochar @ 10 t ha-1 along with fertilizer on sandy loam soil was found beneficial for better growth and development of maize crop besides better nutrient content in plant. However, considering the economics of biochar, Maize stover biochar @ 5 t ha-1 along with fertilizer was found beneficial. This study clearly indicated that maize stover biochar is an effective ion adsorbent; it can greatly reduce the leaching of highly mobile nutrients from fertilizers in sandy loam soils. This will allow nutrients to be kept in the rooting zone, and therefore improve the fertilizer use efficiency.