Impact of biochar and organic manures on soil physical properties and crop yield of rice

Abstract

The physical properties of the soil are very important for agricultural production and the sustainable use of soil. The amount and rate of water, oxygen, and nutrient absorption by plants depend on the ability of the roots to absorb the soil solution as well as the ability of the soil to supply it to the roots. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic manures and biochar on soil properties and crop yield of rice at Organic Farming Research Center, Chatha, SKUAST- Jammu. The treatments were T1= control, T2= 100% N through FYM, T3= 100% N through vermicompost, T4= 50% N through FYM + 50% N through vermicompost, T5= T2+ 1t/ha biochar, T6= T3+ 1t/ha biochar, T7= T4+1t/ha biochar, T8= T2+ 2t/ha biochar, T9 = T3 + 2t/ha biochar, T10 = T4 + 2t/ha biochar. Results revealed that soil bulk density (BD) and crack volume decreased, and infiltration rate (IR) increased with application of organic manures with biochar in comparison with the control. No significant differences were obtained among organic manures treatments. Lowest BD (1.33Mg/m3) was observed with the combination of 50% N through FYM +50% N through vermicompost + 2t/ha biochar. Irrespective of BD the infiltration rates (IR) was higher in this treatment as compare to control. Maximum crack volume was observed in control plots (14585cm3/m2). The highest grain yield of rice crop was recorded with the application of 50% N through FYM +50% N through vermicompost + 2t/ha biochar and was about 83 % higher over the control.