Liu, et al (2024) Effects of biochar input on nitrogen absorption and growth of maize at seedling stage. BMC Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4543430/v1

The study examines how biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More influences nitrogen absorption and the growth of maize seedlings. Nitrogen is vital for crop yield, but excessive use of chemical fertilizers poses environmental risks. Biochar, a carbon-rich product from biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, can enhance nitrogen effectiveness, but its impact varies with soil texture. The researchers conducted experiments with three soil textures (loamy, loamy clay, and loamy sandy) and different nitrogen levels and biochar application rates.

Results indicated a clear interaction between biochar and soil texture affecting maize growth and nitrogen uptake. The study found optimal biochar application rates to be 2.5% for loamy sandy soil, 7.5% for loamy soil, and 10% for loamy clay soil. Biochar significantly improved seed germination, plant height, and storage material transport efficiency, with the best results in loamy and loamy clay soils compared to loamy sandy soil.

Further findings showed that biochar combined with reduced nitrogen fertilizer increased total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and microbial biomass nitrogen while decreasing ammonium nitrogen content. This led to improved nitrogen uptake in maize seedlings. Specifically, biochar addition under reduced nitrogen conditions increased total nitrogen in aboveground and underground parts by 11.1% and 11.4%, respectively.

In conclusion, the study highlights biochar’s potential to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use while maintaining or even enhancing maize growth and nitrogen absorption. The optimal biochar application rate varies with soil texture, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in different soil conditions to maximize biochar’s benefits.