Effect of biochar particle size and biofertilizers on lentil (Lense culinarous M.) yield and available fractions of soil nutrients

oleh: Muhammad Mutasim Billah, Wiqar Ahmad, Murad Ali, Farmanullah Khan

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Soil Science Society of Pakistan (SSSP) 2018-12-01

Deskripsi

Suitable management techniques are required to improve soil nutrient availability and crop yield. This study evaluated biochar particle sizes (<2 mm, 2-5 mm and 5-10 mm) in combination with rhizobia inocula (Biozote-N (Rhizobium leguminosarum (BZ)) and Rhizogold (a mixture of Rhizobium leguminosarum with other plant growth promoting bacteria (RG)) for enhancing lentils yield and nutrients availability in a low fertility alfisol using randomized complete block split plot design during Winter 2015-16. Biochar with lowest particle size (< 2 mm) showed the maximum 13, 17, 6 and 17% increase in bundle weight, straw yield, grain yield and thousand grain weight, respectively, and 27, 43 and 18% increase in soil mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) status, respectively, compared to no Biochar plots. The Bizote-N inoculation improved the grain yield by 4%. Combination of Bizote-N and the biochar smallest particle size (< 2 mm) resulted in more mineral N content. The extractable K was highest at < 2 mm particle size and no biofertilizer treatment followed by Bizote-N inoculation. It was concluded that the Biozote-N performance was consistent with the lowest biochar particle size (< 2 mm) for enhanced lentil yield and soil fertility.