Abstract
Biochar addition has been shown to result in numerous benefits in temperate soils, however, little of these benefits are explored in tropical and subtropical soils. A two-year filed trial was set up at Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, to study the effects of biochar addition on yield traits of maize, soil parameters and soil biota. The experiment included three levels of biochar (0, 7.5 and 15 t ha−1) along with two levels of effective microbes (with and without EM) and three levels of farmyard manure (no farmyard manure, composted farmyard manure and fresh farmyard manure). Treatments were replicated thrice in a randomized complete block design. Application of biochar at the rate of 7.5 t ha−1 increased grains ear−1, thousand grain weight, stover yield and grain yield by 7, 4, 6 and 11%, respectively in comparison to control. Application of composted farmyard manure increased grains ear−1, thousand grain weight, stover yield and grain yield by 7.3, 7 and 8%, respectively. Application of microbes improved grains ear−1, thousand grain weight, stover yield and grain yield by 5, 3, 7 and 8%, respectively. Application of biochar and microbes also enhanced the extractable potassium, phosphorus and carbon content of the amended soil, soil pH and EC. It was concluded that biochar, FYM and EM application improved maize yield, soil health and soil faunahowever, biochar rate should be chosen wisely as higher rates may negatively impact maize production and soil macro-nutrients availability.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Admas H, Gebrekidan H, Bedadi B, Adgo E (2015) Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and yield components of maize at Wujiraba Watershed, Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia. Am J Plant Nutr Fertil Technol 5:1–15. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajpnft.2015.1.15
Agegnehu G, Bass AM, Nelson PN, Bird MI (2016) Benefits of biochar, compost, and biochar-compost for soil quality, maize yield, and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Sci Total Environ 543:295–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.054
Ahmad R, Naseer A, Zahir ZA, Arshad M, Sultan T, Ullah MA (2006) Integrated use of recycled organic waste and chemical fertilizers for improving maize yield. Int J Agric Biol 8:840–843
Ahmad W, Jan M, Ilyas M, Shah T, Moinullah KA, Ahmad A, Khan S (2017) Phenology and yield components of maize as influenced by different forms of dairy manure with supplemental nitrogen management. Int J Agric Environ Res 3:137–146. https://doi.org/10.28941/24-2(2018)-2
Akca MO, Usta S, Uygur V, Ok SS (2022) Biochar applications reduces the mobility of cadmium under differing soil moisture regimes. Gesunde Pflanz 25:1–4. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-00753-9
Alburquerque JA, Salazar P, Barrón V, Torrent J, del-Campillo MDC, Gallardo A, Villar R (2013) Enhanced wheat yield by biochar addition under different mineral fertilization levels. Agron Sustain Dev 33:475–484. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-012-0128-3
Ali K, Arif M, Jan MT, Yaseen T, Waqas M, Munsif F (2015) Biochar: a novel tool to enhance wheat productivity and soil fertility on sustainable basis under wheat-maize-wheat cropping pattern. Pak J Bot 47:1023–1031
Ali S, Uddin S, Ullah O, Shah S, Ali S, Ud Din I (2012) Yield and yield components of maize response tocompost and fertilizer-nitrogen. Food Sci Qual Manag 38:39–44
Atkinson CJ, Fitzgerald JD, Hipps NA (2010) Potential mechanisms for achieving agricultural benefits from biochar application to temperate soils: a review. Plant Soil 337:1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0464-5
Awad AEG, Morsy A (2017) Integrated impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and soil properties under upper Egypt conditions. J Plant Prod 8:1103–1112. https://doi.org/10.21608/jpp.2017.41121
Aziz MA, Wattoo FM, Khan F, Hassan Z, Mahmood I, Anwar A, Karim MF, Akram MT, Manzoor R, Khan KS, Majrashi MA (2023) Biochar and polyhalite fertilizers improve soil’s biochemical characteristics and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield. Agronomy 13(2):483. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020483
Bandyopadhyay K, Misra A, Ghosh P, Hati K (2010) Effect of integrated use of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizers on soil physical properties and productivity of soybean. Soil Tillage Res 110:115–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2010.07.007
Blaise D, Singh J, Bonde A, Tekale K, Mayee C (2005) Effects of farmyard manure and fertilizers on yield, fiber quality and nutrient balance of rainfed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Bioresour Technol 96:345–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2004.03.008
Burgeon V, Tech GAB (2017) Biochar effects on soil physicochemical properties and on maize yields (Zea mays L.) in tropical soils of Burkina Faso. Master Thesis. pp. 30
Cakmakcı T, Sahın U (2022) Yield, physiological responses and irrigation water productivity of capia pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at deficit irrigation and different biochar levels. Gesunde Pflanz. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-0070
Chantal K, Xiaohou S, Weimu W, Ong’or BTI (2010) Effects of effective microorganisms on yield and quality of vegetable cabbage comparatively to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Pak J Nutr 9:1039–1042. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2010.1039.1042
Chapagain T, Gurung GB (2010) Effects of integrated plant nutrient management (IPNM) practices on the sustainability of maize-based hill farming systems in Nepal. Can Can Cent Sci Educ 2(3):1–7. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v2n3p26
Cheng Y, Zhang S, Song D, Wu H, Wang L, Wang X (2023) Distribution characteristics of microbial residues within aggregates of Fluvo-Aquic soil under biochar application. Agronomy 13(2):392. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020392
Cornelissen G, Martinsen V, Shitumbanuma V, Alling V, Breedveld GD, Rutherford DW, Sparrevik M, Hale SE, Obia A, Mulder J (2013) Biochar effect on maize yield and soil characteristics in five conservation farming sites in Zambia. Agronomy 3:256–274. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy3020256
Daiss N, Lobo MG, Socorro AR, Brückner U, Heller J, Gonzalez M (2008) The effect of three organic pre-harvest treatments on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cycla L.) quality. Eur Food Res Technol 226:345–353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-006-0543-2
Daly M, Stewart D (1999) Influence of “effective microorganisms”(EM) on vegetable production and carbon mineralization—A preliminary investigation. J Sustain Agric 14:15–25. https://doi.org/10.1300/j064v14n02_04
DeLuca T, MacKenzie M, Gundale M, Holben W (2006) Wildfire-produced charcoal directly influences nitrogen cycling in ponderosa pine forests. Soil Sci Soc Am J 70:448–453. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2005.0096
Dunjana N, Nyamugafata P, Shumba A, Nyamangara J, Zingore S (2012) Effects of cattle manure on selected soil physical properties of smallholder farms on two soils of Murewa, Zimbabwe. Soil Use Manag 28:221–228. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2012.00394.x
Eghball B (1999) Liming effects of beef cattle feedlot manure or compost. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 30:2563–2570. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103629909370396
Eigenberg R, Doran JW, Nienaber JA, Ferguson RB, Woodbury B (2002) Electrical conductivity monitoring of soil condition and available N with animal manure and a cover crop. Agric Ecosyst Environ 88:183–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-8809(01)00256-0
Elbasiouny H, Mostafa AA, Zedan A, Elbltagy HM, Dawoud SF, Elbanna BA, El-Shazly SA, El-Sadawy AA, Sharaf-Eldin AM, Darweesh M, Ebrahim AZ (2023) Potential effect of biochar on soil properties, microbial activity and Vicia faba properties affected by microplastics contamination. Agronomy 13(1):149. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13010149
Farhad W, Saleem M, Cheema M, Hammad H (2009) Effect of poultry manure levels on the productivity of spring maize (Zea mays L.). J Anim Plant Sci 19:122–125
Formowitz B, Elango F, Okumoto S, Müller T, Buerkert A (2007) The role of “effective microorganisms” in the composting of banana (Musa ssp.) residues. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 170:649–656. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.200700002
Free H, McGill C, Rowarth J, Hedley M (2010) The effect of biochars on maize (Zea mays) germination. NZ J Agric Res 53:1–4. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288231003606039
Gami S, Ladha J, Pathak H, Shah M, Pasuquin E, Pandey S, Hobbs P, Joshy D, Mishra R (2001) Long-term changes in yield and soil fertility in a twenty-year rice-wheat experiment in Nepal. Biol Fertil Soils 34:73–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s003740100377
Ganjali HR, Mobasser HR, Esmaielzehi A, Tavassoli A (2013) Effects of organic composts on yield and protein content of corn cultivars in Khash region. J Novel Appl Sci 2:369–374
Ghazimahalleh BG, Amerian MR, Kahneh E, Rahimi M, Tabari ZT (2022) Effect of biochar, mycorrhiza, and foliar application of boron on growth and yield of peanuts. Gesunde Pflanz 74(4):863–877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-00702-6
Glaser B, Lehmann J, Zech W (2002) Ameliorating physical and chemical properties of highly weathered soils in the tropics with charcoal—A review. Biol Fertil Soils 35:219–230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-002-0466-4
Górski R, Kleiber T (2010) Effect of Effective Microorganisms (EM) on nutrient contents in substrate and development and yielding of rose (Rosa x hybrida) and gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii). Chem Eng S 17:505–513
Gundale MJ, DeLuca TH (2007) Charcoal effects on soil solution chemistry and growth of Koeleria macrantha in the ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir ecosystem. Biol Fertil Soils 43:303–311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-006-0106-5
Guo JH, Liu XJ, Zhang Y, Shen J, Han W, Zhang W, Christie P, Goulding K, Vitousek P, Zhang F (2010) Significant acidification in major Chinese croplands. Science 327:1008–1010. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1182570
Hao X, Liu S, Wu J, Hu R, Tong C, Su Y (2008) Effect of long-term application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments on soil organic matter and microbial biomass in three subtropical paddy soils. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 81:17–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-007-9145-z
Hati K, Mandal K, Misra A, Ghosh P, Bandyopadhyay K (2006) Effect of inorganic fertilizer and farmyard manure on soil physical properties, root distribution, and water-use efficiency of soybean in vertisols of central India. Bioresour Technol 97:2182–2188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2005.09.033
Higa T (1991) Effective microorganisms: A biotechnology for mankind. In: Proceedings of the first international conference on Kyusei nature farming. US Department of Agriculture, Washington, pp 8–14
Higa T (2001) Effective microorganisms in the context of Kyusei nature farming: a technology for the future. In: Proceedings of the conference on greater productivity and a cleaner environment through Kyusei nature farming, pp 40–43
Hu C, Qi Y (2013) Long-term effective microorganisms application promote growth and increase yields and nutrition of wheat in China. Eur J Agron 46:63–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2012.12.003
Hue N, Craddock G, Adams F (1986) Effect of organic acids on aluminum toxicity in subsoils 1. Soil Sci Soc Am J 50:28–34. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1986.03615995005000010006x
Javaid A (2006) Foliar application of effective microorganisms on pea as an alternative fertilizer. Agron Sustain Dev 26:257–262. https://doi.org/10.1051/agro:2006024
Javaid A (2010) Beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agriculture. In: Genetic engineering, biofertilization, soil quality and organic farming. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 347–369 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8741-6_12
Javaid A, Bajwa R (2011) Field evaluation of effective microorganisms (EM) application for growth, nodulation, and nutrition of mung bean. Turk J Agric For 35:443–452
Jusoh MLC, Abd Manaf L, Latiff PA (2013) Composting of rice straw with effective microorganisms (EM) and its influence on compost quality. Iranian J Environ Health Sci Eng 10:17. https://doi.org/10.1186/1735-2746-10-17
Kammann C, Graber ER (2015) Biochar effects on plant ecophysiology. Biochar for environmental management: Scince, technology and implementation. Taylor and Francis, Abingdon, pp 391–420
Kasozi GN, Zimmerman AR, Nkedi-Kizza P, Gao B (2010) Catechol and humic acid sorption onto a range of laboratory-produced black carbons (biochars). Environ Sci Technol 44:6189–6195. https://doi.org/10.1021/es1014423
Klironomos JN, Kendrick WB (1996) Palatability of microfungi to soil arthropods in relation to the functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizae. Biol Fertil Soils 21:43–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00335992
Lal R (2011) Sequestering carbon in soils of agro-ecosystems. Food Policy 36:S33–S39
Lehmann J, da Silva JP, Steiner C, Nehls T, Zech W, Glaser B (2003) Nutrient availability and leaching in an archaeological anthrosol and a ferralsol of the central amazon basin: fertilizer, manure and charcoal amendments. Plant Soil 249:343–357
Lehmann J, Gaunt J, Rondon M (2006) Bio-char sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems—A review. Mitig Adapt Strat Glob Change 11:403–427. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-005-9006-5
Lehmann J, Rillig MC, Thies J, Masiello CA, Hockaday WC, Crowley D (2011) Biochar effects on soil biota—A review. Soil Biol Biochem 43:1812–1836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2011.04.022
Liang B, Lehmann J, Sohi SP, Thies JE, O’Neill B, Trujillo L, Gaunt J, Solomon D, Grossman J, Neves EG (2010) Black carbon affects the cycling of non-black carbon in soil. Org Geochem 41:206–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orggeochem.2009.09.007
Liang Q, Chen H, Gong Y, Fan M, Yang H, Lal R, Kuzyakov Y (2012) Effects of 15 years of manure and inorganic fertilizers on soil organic carbon fractions in a wheat-maize system in the North China plain. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 92:21–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-011-9469-6
Lima DL, Santos SM, Scherer HW, Schneider RJ, Duarte AC, Santos EB, Esteves VI (2009) Effects of organic and inorganic amendments on soil organic matter properties. Geoderma 150:38–45
Liu X, Zhang A, Ji C, Joseph S, Bian R, Li L, Pan G, Paz-Ferreiro J (2013) Biochar’s effect on crop productivity and the dependence on experimental conditions—A meta-analysis of literature data. Plant Soil 373:583–594. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1806-x
Lucas R, Davis JF (1961) Relationships between pH values of organic soils and availabilities of 12 plant nutrients. Soil Sci 92:177–182. https://doi.org/10.1097/00010694-196109000-00005
Ly P, Vu QD, Jensen LS, Pandey A, de Neergaard A (2015) Effects of rice straw, biochar, and mineral fertilizer on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in a rain-fed lowland rice soil of Cambodia: a pot experiment. Paddy Water Environ 13:465–475. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10333-014-0464-9
Major J, Rondon M, Molina D, Riha SJ, Lehmann J (2010) Maize yield and nutrition during 4 years after biochar application to a Colombian savanna oxisol. Plant Soil 333:117–128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-010-0327-0
McCormack SA, Ostle N, Bardgett RD, Hopkins DW, Vanbergen AJ (2013) Biochar in bioenergy cropping systems: impacts on soil faunal communities and linked ecosystem processes. Glob Change Biol Bioenergy 5:81–95. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12046
Murad Z, Ahmad I, Waleed M, Hashim S, Bibi S (2022) Effect of biochar on immobilization of cadmium and soil chemical properties. Gesunde Pflanz 74(1):151–158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-021-00597-9
Naderi R, Ghadiri H (2010) Urban waste compost, manure and nitrogen fertilizer effects on the initial growth of corn (Zea mays L.). Desert 15:159–165
Nelson DW, Sommers LE (1996) Total carbon, organic carbon, and organic matter. Methods of soil analysis: Part 3. Chem Methods 5:961–1010
Nigussie A, Kissi E, Misganaw M, Ambaw G (2012) Effect of biochar application on soil properties and nutrient uptake of lettuces (Lactuca sativa) grown in chromium polluted soils. Am Eurasian J Agric Environ Sci 12:369–376
Novak JM, Lima I, Xing B, Gaskin JW, Steiner C, Das K, Ahmedna M, Rehrah D, Watts DW, Busscher WJ (2009) Characterization of designer biochar produced at different temperatures and their effects on a loamy sand. Ann Environ Sci 3:195–206
Öz H (2022) Improvement of soil solarization efficiency and lettuce yield by using different mulching materials and biochar. Gesunde Pflanz. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-00749-5
Ozlu E, Kumar S (2018) Response of soil organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity, and water stable aggregates to long-term annual manure and inorganic fertilizer. Soil Sci Soc Am J 82:1243–1251. https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2018.02.0082
Pandey K, Awasthi A (2014) Integrated nutrient management in the maize (Zea mays L.) yield and soil properties. Int J Agric Sci 10:244–246
Qaisi AM, Al Tawaha AR, Al-Rifaee MD (2022) Effects of Chitosan and Biochar-mended soil on growth, yield and yield components and mineral composition of fenugreek. Gesunde Pflanz. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-00727-x
Rajkovich S, Enders A, Hanley K, Hyland C, Zimmerman AR, Lehmann J (2012) Corn growth and nitrogen nutrition after additions of biochars with varying properties to a temperate soil. Biol Fertil Soils 48:271–284. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-011-0624-7
Rasool R, Kukal S, Hira G (2007) Soil physical fertility and crop performance as affected by long term application of FYM and inorganic fertilizers in rice-wheat system. Soil Tillage Res 96:64–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2007.02.011
Rhoades J (1996) Salinity: electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. Methods of soil analysis: part 3. Chem Methods 5:417–435
Shah Z, Shah Z, Tariq M, Afzal M (2007) Response of maize to integrated use of compost and urea fertilizers. Sarhad J Agric 23:667
Sheikhnazari S, Niknezhad Y, Fallah H, Barari Tari D (2022) Integrated application of rice husk biochar and ZnO-NPs improves yield components, yield and nutrient uptake in grain of rice under different nitrogen fertilizer levels. Gesunde Pflanz. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-00691-6
Shintani (ed.) (1995) Asia-Pacific Natural Agriculture Network, Bangkok, Thailand
Singh B, Macdonald LM, Kookana RS, van Zwieten L, Butler G, Joseph S, Weatherley A, Kaudal BB, Regan A, Cattle J (2014) Opportunities and constraints for biochar technology in Australian agriculture: looking beyond carbon sequestration. Soil Res 52:739–750. https://doi.org/10.1071/sr14112
Singh M, Reddy KS, Singh V, Rupa T (2007) Phosphorus availability to rice (Oriza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum estivum L.) in a vertisol after eight years of inorganic and organic fertilizer additions. Bioresour Technol 98:1474–1481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2006.02.045
Smitha M, Gowrilekshmi R (2016) Solid waste management using effective microorganism (EM) technology. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci 5:804–815. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2016.507.093
Soltanpour P, Schwab A (1977) A new soil test for simultaneous extraction of macro-and micro-nutrients in alkaline soils. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 8:195–207. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103627709366714
Steiner C, Teixeira WG, Lehmann J, Nehls T, de Macêdo JLV, Blum WE, Zech W (2007) Long term effects of manure, charcoal and mineral fertilization on crop production and fertility on a highly weathered Central Amazonian upland soil. Plant Soil 291:275–290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-007-9193-9
Tabari ZT, Asghari H, Abbasdokht H, Sajirani EB (2022) Evaluation of biochar and salicylic acid application on soil biochemical properties and some growth parameters of Borago officinalis L. under different irrigation regimes. Gesunde Pflanz 74(4):889–904. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-00730-2
Tammeorg P, Simojoki A, Mäkelä P, Stoddard FL, Alakukku L, Helenius J (2014) Short-term effects of biochar on soil properties and wheat yield formation with meat bone meal and inorganic fertiliser on a boreal loamy sand. Agric Ecosyst Environ 191:108–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2014.01.007
Tan S, Narayanan M, Huong DT, Ito N, Unpaprom Y, Pugazhendhi A, Chi NT, Liu J (2022) A perspective on the interaction between biochar and soil microbes: A way to regain soil eminence. Environ Res. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.113832
Thies JE, Rillig MC (2012) Characteristics of biochar: biological properties. Biochar for environmental management. Routledge, London, pp 117–138
Tryon EH (1948) Effect of charcoal on certain physical, chemical, and biological properties of forest soils. Ecol Monogr 18:81–115. https://doi.org/10.2307/1948629
Upadhyay KP (2015) The influence of biochar on crop growth and the colonization of horticultural crops by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. PhD Thesis. The University of Queensland. https://doi.org/10.14264/uql.2015.804
Utomo WH, Kusuma Z, Nugroho WH (2011) Soil fertility status, nutrient uptake, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield following biochar and cattle manure application on sandy soils of Lombok, Indonesia. J Trop Agric 49:47–52
Uzoma K, Inoue M, Andry H, Fujimaki H, Zahoor A, Nishihara E (2011) Effect of cow manure biochar on maize productivity under sandy soil condition. Soil Use Manag 27:205–212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-2743.2011.00340.x
Wailare AT, Kesarwani A (2017) Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) as well as soil physico-chemical properties. Biomed J Sci Technol Res 1:294–298
Wang L, Chen H, Wu J, Huang L, Brookes PC, Rodrigues JL, Xu J, Liu X (2020) Effects of magnetic biochar-microbe composite on Cd remediation and microbial responses in paddy soil. J Hazard Mater 414:125494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125494
Warnock DD, Lehmann J, Kuyper TW, Rillig MC (2007) Mycorrhizal responses to biochar in soil-concepts and mechanisms. Plant Soil 300:9–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-007-9391-5
Wei W, Che WC, Wang KR, Xie XL, Yin CM, Chen AL (2011) Effects of long-term fertilization on the distribution of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in water-stable aggregates in paddy soil. Agric Sci China 10:1932–1940. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1671-2927(11)60194-6
Wollum A (1983) Cultural methods for soil microorganisms. In: Methods of soil analysis: Part 2 chemical and microbiological properties, vol 9, pp 781–802 https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr9.2.2ed.c37
Xin X, Zhang J, Zhu A, Zhang C (2016) Effects of long-term (23 years) mineral fertilizer and compost application on physical properties of fluvo-aquic soil in the North China Plain. Soil Tillage Res 156:166–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2015.10.012
Xu G, Sun J, Shao H, Chang SX (2014) Biochar had effects on phosphorus sorption and desorption in three soils with differing acidity. Ecol Eng 62:54–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2013.10.027
Xu HL, Wang R, Mridha MAU (2001) Effects of organic fertilizers and a microbial inoculant on leaf photosynthesis and fruit yield and quality of tomato plants. J Crop Prod 3:173–182. https://doi.org/10.1300/j144v03n01_15
Xuan K, Li X, Zhang J, Jiang Y, Ma B, Liu J (2023) Effects of organic amendments on soil pore structure under waterlogging stress. Agronomy 13(2):289. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13020289
Yaduvanshi N (2003) Substitution of inorganic fertilizers by organic manures and the effect on soil fertility in a rice-wheat rotation on reclaimed sodic soil in India. J Agric Sci 140:161–168. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0021859603002934
Yamada K, Xu HL (2001) Properties and applications of an organic fertilizer inoculated with effective microorganisms. J Crop Prod 3:255–268. https://doi.org/10.1300/j144v03n01_21
Yamato M, Okimori Y, Wibowo IF, Anshori S, Ogawa M (2006) Effects of the application of charred bark of Acacia mangium on the yield of maize, cowpea and peanut, and soil chemical properties in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Soil Sci Plant Nutr 52:489–495. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-0765.2006.00065.x
Yigermal H, Nakachew K, Assefa F (2019) Effects of integrated nutrient application on phenological, vegetative growth and yield-related parameters of maize in Ethiopia: A review. Cogent Food Agric 5:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2019.1567998
Zaman A, Irfan M, Khan AM, Ali H, Iqbal N, Ahmad I, Fawad M, Muhammad F (2022) Toxicity assessment and phytostabilization of contaminated soil by using wheat straw-derived biochar in tomato plants. Gesunde Pflanz 74(3):705–713. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-022-00646-x
Zhu Q, Peng X, Huang T (2015) Contrasted effects of biochar on maize growth and N use efficiency depending on soil conditions. Int Agrophys 29:257–266. https://doi.org/10.1515/intag-2015-0023
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan under Indigenous PhD fellowship program. We thank them for the provisions of funds and resources for this research. We also thank Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jamal Khan Chairman and lab attendants of Soil Sciences Department at our University for providing their lab facilities and Dr. Muhammad Riaz, Associate Professor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad for his valuable suggestions regarding data analysis.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
T. Jan reports financial support was provided by Higher Education Commission Pakistan. T. Jan, M. Arif, S. Anwar and D. Muhammad declare that they have no competing interests.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature oder sein Lizenzgeber (z.B. eine Gesellschaft oder ein*e andere*r Vertragspartner*in) hält die ausschließlichen Nutzungsrechte an diesem Artikel kraft eines Verlagsvertrags mit dem/den Autor*in(nen) oder anderen Rechteinhaber*in(nen); die Selbstarchivierung der akzeptierten Manuskriptversion dieses Artikels durch Autor*in(nen) unterliegt ausschließlich den Bedingungen dieses Verlagsvertrags und dem geltenden Recht.
About this article
Cite this article
Jan, T., Arif, M., Anwar, S. et al. Biochar-microbes-FYM Nexus for Maize Productivity, Macro-nutrients’ Availability and Soil Organic Carbon Under Semi-arid Climate. Gesunde Pflanzen 75, 2525–2539 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-023-00872-x
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10343-023-00872-x