Zhang, et al (2024) Optimization of water and nitrogen management in wheat cultivation affected by 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 application − Insights into resource utilization and economic benefits. Agricultural Water Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2024.109093

Optimizing water and nitrogen use in agriculture is critical for sustainable crop production, especially in water-scarce regions. A two-year study in the Guanzhong Plain, China, assessed the combined effects of biochar, irrigation, and nitrogen fertilizer on winter wheat. The researchers evaluated wheat yield, water use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and economic benefits.

Biochar, applied at 30 tons per hectare, significantly improved wheat yields and WUE. Two irrigation strategies were compared: full irrigation (I100) and deficit irrigation (I80), where water use was reduced to 80% of actual evapotranspiration. Additionally, three nitrogen rates—high (NH, 210 kg/ha), medium (NM, 160 kg/ha), and low (NL, 110 kg/ha)—were tested.

Key findings showed that while higher nitrogen rates boosted yield, they also reduced efficiency, leading to nutrient waste. The NM rate, combined with biochar and I80 irrigation, provided the optimal balance between yield, WUE, and economic benefits. This combination maintained high productivity with improved resource use, making it ideal for water-limited environments.

The study highlights biochar’s role in enhancing soil properties, retaining water, and improving nutrient availability, while deficit irrigation strategies help conserve water without compromising yield. These results offer a scientific basis for promoting sustainable farming practices, particularly in regions facing similar climatic challenges.