Thapa, et al (2024) Positive sweet corn response with selected climate-smart agricultural practices. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.70011

Researchers at Prairie View A&M University studied how organic amendments, such as 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, chicken manure, and dairy manure, affect sweet corn growth and soil health. Their experiment, conducted in Texas, aimed to explore sustainable farming methods amidst rising global temperatures and soil health concerns.

Key findings revealed that chicken and dairy manure significantly improved sweet corn yield. Specifically, applying manure at higher nitrogen rates (448 kg N/ha) enhanced plant height, cob length, and 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. Chicken manure facilitated faster flowering compared to dairy manure. Meanwhile, biochar application, particularly at 5 tons/ha, improved cob diameter and sugar content (BRIX levels), making it a valuable supplement.

The amendments also positively influenced soil properties, including increased phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium levels. The results highlight a strong link between nutrient availability and better crop growth. While biochar improved soil water retention and nutrient supply, its effects on plant biomass were less pronounced in this short-term study.

The study emphasizes the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices, such as integrating organic amendments, to enhance crop productivity while promoting environmental sustainability. These findings can guide farmers in optimizing amendment combinations to improve yields and maintain soil health. Future research is recommended to examine long-term impacts and economic feasibility for broader agricultural application.

By adopting such strategies, agriculture can become more resilient to climate change while meeting the growing food demand sustainably.