Effect of biochar on maize yield and yield components in rainfed conditions

To investigate the maize yield and nutrient concentration in its leaves as affected by biochar from different organic materials (wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse), a field experiment was conducted on maize crop during 2013 at koont research farm chakwal. The treatments were control, wheat straw biochar at 5t ha-1, and 10t ha-1, sugarcane bagasse biochar at 5t ha-1and 10t ha-1. The experiment was conducted in RCBD. Maize was grown in 4m × 6m sized plots. Soil samples were taken before sowing of crop for determination of soil pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon and texture. The plant parameters were grain yield, plant biomass, macro nutrients and micro nutrients. Wheat straw biochar 10 t/ha showed an increase of 16.1% N, 38.8% P, 33% K, 28.9% biomass and 20.8% grain yield. Sugarcane bagasse biochar at a rate of 10 t/ha showed significant increase of 14.9% N, 27.7% P, 30% K, 27.6% biomass and 22.1% grain yield. None of the biochar treatment showed any significant increase in micronutrient concentration in plant.