Effect of integrated use of biochar and organic amendments on soil properties and crop yield

Abstract

In recent years biochar is found to have positive influence on soil fertility, resulting in an increase in crop yield without affecting soil health and environment. Due to increasing interest towards biochar and organic farming, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar with different sources of organic amendments on soil properties and yield of knolkhol (Brassica oleracea var. gongyloides L.). The experimental soil showed increase in organic carbon (3.1%), available nitrogen (12.38%), available phosphorus (24.19%), available potassium (8.54%) in treatment containing combined application of FYM, vermicompost and biochar as compare to control. Yield of knolkhol was also highest with the application of manures with biochar over the sole application of amendments.