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- Physiological and Morphological Responses of Corn (Zea mays L.) and...
Physiological and Morphological Responses of Corn (Zea mays L.) and Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Grown in an Acidic Clay Loam Soil (Typic Eutrudepts) Under Different Fertilizers Applied with Corn Cob and Corn Husk Biochars
Thesis Abstract:
An incubation study and field experiment were conducted using corn cob and corn husk biochars. The incubation study was about corn cob biochar-amended soil treated with dried organic materials, and organic and inorganic fertilizers to determine the carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution in soil and compare the evolution with corn cob biochar as soil amendment. After testing the efficacy of corn cob biochar in reducing the CO2 evolution in soil, field experiment was carried out to test its effect on corn and peanut physiological and morphological responses. Results showed that biochar addition will reduce CO2 evolution and increase organic carbon (OC) in the soil. Corn biomass, ear production, root biomass, and leaf chlorophyll concentration were increased by both corn cob and corn husk biochars mixed with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Also, chlorophyll concentration in peanut was increased by inorganic fertilizer and corn cob biochar mixtures.
Soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were generally increased by corn cob and corn husk biochar application. Phosphorus uptake by both corn and peanut were significantly affected by organic and inorganic fertilizers. Furthermore, corn and peanut roots were observed to produce more root hairs when attached to biochar surfaces in the soil.