Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, India
1Marathi Vidnyan Parishad, Vidnyan Bhavan, V. N. Purav Rd., Chunabhatti - Sion, Mumbai, 400022, India
2Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti nagar, Mumbai-400 094, India
3Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, 415 712, India
Effect of biochar on soybean crop was studied on agricultural soil of Sangli, District, Maharashtra. Biochar, derived from slow pyrolysis of crop residues and wood waste was applied at the rate of 2, 3.5 and 5 t ha−1 as sole amendment, or along with recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDF). Significant improvement in the grain yield was recorded, due to the application of biochar @ 3.5 and 5 t ha−1 along with RDF. However, increase in the yield of soybean with the application of RDF + biochar, was statistically non-significant over the yield obtained with the application of RDF alone, as increase in the yield was 5, 19 and 24 per cent due to co-application of 2, 3.5 and 5 t ha−1 biochar. Similar trend was observed with the yield of biomass. Biochar treatment, however, significantly increased Mg and Zn contents in the biomass.
Biochar, Soybean, Cambisol, Soil fertility
