Response of Biochar to Plant Nutrients and Yield of Amaranthus tricolor

Abstract

Biochar, a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, has been suggested as a mean to combat nutrient deficiency by reducing nutrient loss, and at the same time to increase crop yields. A field experiment was carried out at the Research field of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, from March to April, 2015 to examine the effect of biochar application with the combination of N, P, and K fertilizers on amaranth biomass production and soil nutrient status. The research comprised with different soil treatment which includes control, biochar, recommended rate of N, P and K fertilizers, biochar with combination of recommended rate of N, P and K fertilizers. Sawdust biochar at the rate of 15 t ha-1 was used. Inorganic fertilizers were applied as Urea-TSP-MOP at the rate of 95-75-100 kg ha-1 as per BARI recommendation. Biochar with combination of N, P, and K fertilizers showed the highest fresh (5.5kg/m2) and dry biomass (1.5 kg/m2). The lowest fresh (1.93 kg/m2) and dry biomass (0.57 Kg/m2) was harvested from the control treatment. The highest amounts of OM (6.67 %), N(3.13%), P (3.02 µg/g), K (0.95 meq/100g) were obtained from biochar in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus and potash bearing fertilizers. The control showed the lowest OM (1.39%), N (0.29%), P (2.22 µg/g) and K (0.37 meq/100g). Biochar with combination of N, P and K fertilizers might be effective for getting higher yield of amaranth and have positive effect on soil nutrient status.