Assessing the Potential of Biochar Derived from Tropical Deciduous Tree Broussonetia Papyrifera for Crop Improvement

Ipsa Gupta¹, Rigzin Chuskit¹, Rishikesh Singh^1,2*, Shalinder Kaur¹, Anupama Kaushik³ and Daizy R. Batish^1*

¹Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

²Amity School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Amity University Punjab, Mohali, India

³SSB University Institutes of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

Corresponding Author E-mails: rishikesh.iesd@gmail.com

Abstract:

In this study, we assessed the effects of biochar prepared from an invasive tree, Broussonetia papyrifera on the growth of selected pulse (Cajanus cajan and Vigna radiata) and cereal (Oryza sativa and Zea mays) crops under laboratory conditions. Two experiments were designed, one with biochar powder and another with biochar water extract to mimic the environmental conditions of the growing season of the crops. The findings of the study revealed that the seeds of pulse crops responded slower during the initial days (3 to 7 days) of exposure to the biochar powder whereas a marked increase in root and shoot growth parameters was observed with increasing doses of biochar at 15^th day, compared with the control. With an initial increase in growth behaviour of pulses (at 3^rd day), a stable growth response was observed at 7^th and 15^th days under control treatments. Both cereal and pulse crops showed better growth responses with increasing dose of biochar, and maximum growth was observed at 1-2% (for powder) and 2-4% (for extract) biochar doses. Application of powdered biochar showed better growth responses than the extract, as it facilitated gradual-release of nutrients, thus allowed the plants to stay healthy for a longer period of time. The results underscore the importance of using biochar based on the specific crop types, seed sizes, and growth stages to fully utilize its potential in sustainable agriculture. Harnessing the beneficial attributes of biochar not only enhances soil quality and crop yields but also presents a promising avenue for environmentally friendly weed control and resource utilization, aligning with broader objectives of agricultural sustainability and food security. Further investigations focused on optimizing biochar formulations and conducting field-scale trials will be essential in realizing its transformative impact on global agricultural practices.Top of Form

Keywords:

Carbon; Cereals; Invasive species; Legumes; Nutrients; Plant growth

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