Effect of rice husk biochar and nitrification inhibitor treated urea on N and other macronutrient uptake by maize

Abstract

Biochar is reputed to improve the water holding capacity and the availability of nutrients in soil as well as the biomass of crops. Biochar combined with nitrogen fertiliser has been reported to have positive effects for the soil and the plant. A glasshouse pot experiment was undertaken to investigate the effect of rice husk biochar on the growth and macronutrient content of corn. The experiment was a factorial arranged in randomised blocks with three replicates. The factors included were; with and without biochar (10t/ha); with and without leaching, and single and split applications of either urea or a urea containing a nitrification inhibiter (Entec). There were zero N controls for each biochar and leaching combination. The application of 10t/ha rice husk biochar increased the tops dry matter yield in the single urea and Entec treatments both in the presence and absence of leaching. Biochar also increased the tops content of K and P and decreased the tops content of Ca and Mg in both the presence and absence of leaching. There was no significant effect of biochar on tops S and N content.