Managing soil fertility is crucial for sweet corn production in Georgia, a state where the crop contributes significantly to the agricultural economy. A study by Emilio Suarez, Juan C. Diaz-Perez, Kate Cassity-Duffey, Henry Y. Sintim, and Theodore McAvoy, published in HortTechnology, investigated how different rates of locally sourced 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 (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 tons/acre) combined with either inorganic (granular) or organic (poultry litter) fertilizers affect nitrogen (N) uptake, plant growth, yield, and ear quality of sweet corn. The two-year field trials on sandy loam soil revealed that environmental conditions, especially early-season rainfall, significantly influenced the outcomes.

The study found that higher biochar application rates, specifically 15 to 20 tons/acre, increased nitrogen uptake by 9.5% to 13% compared to the control group (0 tons/acre). The most substantial N uptake was observed in 2023, a year characterized by favorable rainfall conditions. In contrast, the lowest biochar rate (5 tons/acre) resulted in a 23% decrease in N uptake compared to the highest uptake observed at 15 tons/acre.

Organic fertilizer improved the total soluble solids (TSS), a key indicator of ear quality. However, neither biochar nor the type of fertilizer significantly impacted overall plant growth, 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, or yield. The researchers noted that heavy rainfall in 2024 significantly reduced N uptake and ear quality compared to 2023, underscoring the critical role of environmental variability in the performance of soil amendments.

These findings suggest that biochar has the potential to enhance nitrogen retention in coastal plain soils, while organic fertilizers can improve sweet corn ear quality. The study’s relatively short duration of two years highlights the need for long-term research to fully assess the cumulative effects of biochar on soil health and yield stability. Understanding these long-term impacts is essential for optimizing sustainable sweet corn production in southern Georgia and for developing adaptive nutrient management strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Source:Suarez, E., Diaz-Perez, J. C., Cassity-Duffey, K., Sintim, H. Y., & McAvoy, T. (2025). Effects of Biochar and Fertilizer Source on Sweet Corn Production: Nitrogen Uptake, Biomass, Yield, and Quality across Two Contrasting Years-Part I. HortTechnology, 35(4), 445–454