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Effect of enriched biochars on soil chemical properties, soil microbial activity and corn productivity
Dissertation Abstract:
With the growing research interest in using nutrient-enriched biochar as alternative slow-release fertilizer, there is a need to develop an enrichment process that can maximize the potential of biochar. In this study, N-P-K fertilizer enriched corn cob biochar were formulated using different methods. The enriched biochars were first studied in a laboratory to compare the efficacy of different enrichment methods using a formulated grade of mineral fertilizer on corn cob biochar; and to select the best method to deliver the highest nutrient composition in the enriched corn cob biochar; followed by a pot experiment under screenhouse condition to investigate the changes in soil chemical properties and microbial activity after the application of enriched biochar and to evaluate the effect of enriched biochar application on corn productivity. From the laboratory study, an enriched biochar was successfully formulated using the best method, Method-2, in which the highest nutrient contents were adsorbed in the biochar enriched by blending with grounded fertilizers and adding water and it could be used in corn crop experiment. In terms of the effects of enriched biochar on corn, the application of N-P-K fertilizer enriched corn cob biochar improved soil quality and soil microbial activity as it provided greater soil organic carbon and essential macronutrients as opposed to unenriched biochar, chemical fertilizer, and control treatments. Fertilizer enriched biochar even at a low rate (5 tons ha-1) significantly increased corn biomass and ear yield and improved nutrient concentration in stalk, ear, and root of corn in comparison with not only conventional fertilizer application but also high rate of enriched biochar. These findings have now provided a new avenue on the utilization of enriched biochar as an efficient fertilizer.