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Comparative role of Dwarf Cavendish banana leaf formulated biochar and compost in corn - nutrient uptake and its relationship with yield
Abstract
Research shows a mixed outcome on the use of compost, biochar, or a mixture of both along with chemical fertilizer application on crops. This study evaluated the use of banana-leaf biochar and compost. The latter additionally had 25% farm manure rather than the compost of the main material. Trials were carried out with 5 tons of compost, and 20 and 40 tons of biochar, each integrated with nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizer rates of 0-0, 120-0 and 120-90 kg of N and P2O5 on a hectare basis. On average, the N and P contents of biochar were respectively 53% and 43% of the compost contents. The average K contents of compost (97%) were close to the biochar content. While the organic C contents of compost were 79% of the biochar contents. Available P and K contents of the soil were inadequate. The highest uptake was obtained when 120 kg N and 90 kg of P2O5 ha-1 were coupled with 5 tons of compost, which gave equivalent nutrient uptake with 20 tons of biochar under both experiments. Additional 20 tons of biochar (40 tons ha-1) was not beneficial. The nutrient uptake regressed with corn yield gave a positive and linear relationship, which reflected the impact of existing nutrient contents in corn. Same products may be tested under long-term trials using different soil textures.
