Comparative availability to wheat of metals from sewage sludge and inorganic salts

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the availability of metals from sewage sludge and inorganic salts, and the effect of pH and soil type on yield and metal (Zn, Cu, Cd and Ni) uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. ‘holly’). Soils used in this study were Hartsells sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous Thermic Typic Hapludult) and Decatur silty clay loam (Clayey, kaolinitic, Thermic Rhodic Paleudult). Two treatments of sewage sludge containing metals were applied at the rate of 20 and 100 mt ha^?1. Inorganic Salts of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni were applied (as sulfate salts) at concentrations equivalent to those found in the 20 and 100 mt ha^?1 sludge. One treatment consisted of inorganic metals plus sewage at the 20 Mg ha^?1 rate. Two soil pH levels, one at field pH (below 6.0) and another pH adjusted between 6.5 and 7.0 were used. Wheat plants were harvested four weeks after germination. Two more subsequent harvests were made at four week intervals. For each harvest, dry matter yield increased as the rate of sludge application increased for both soil types. The soil pH also influenced the dry matter yield. High yield was observed when the pH was adjusted between 6.5 to 7.0 for both soils. An increase in yield was also observed at each subsequent harvest for most of the treatments. Inorganic salt treatments produced lower dry matter yields when compared with the sludge. Both sludge application and metal salts increased plant tissue concentration of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni at field pH for both soils. However, increasing the pH of the soil for both sludge and inorganic salt treatments generally decreased the tissue concentration of the above metals.     

Effect of biochar on aerobic processes,enzyme activity,and crop yields in two sandy loam soils

Biochar added to agricultural soils may sequester carbon and improve physico-chemical conditions for crop growth, due to effects such as increased water and nutrient retention in the root zone. The effects of biochar on soil microbiological properties are less certain. We addressed the effects of wood-based biochar on soil respiration, water contents, potential ammonia oxidation (PAO), arylsulfatase activity (ASA), and crop yields at two temperate sandy loam soils under realistic field conditions. In situ soil respiration, PAO, and ASA were not significantly different in quadruplicate field plots with or without biochar (20 Mg ha^?1); however, in the same plots, volumetric water contents increased by 7.5 % due to biochar (P?=?0.007). Crop yields (oat) were not significantly different in the first year after biochar application, but in the second year, total yields of spring barley increased by 11 % (P??1, applied during two consecutive years, substantiated that biochar was not inhibitory to PAO and ASA as reference plots consistently showed lowest activities. For PAO, it was found that soil pH, rather than biochar rates, was a driving environmental variable. For ASA, the methodological approach was challenged by product sorption, but results did not suggest that biochar significantly stimulated the enzyme activity. Crop yields of maize in field experiments with 10–100 Mg biochar ha^?1 were unaffected by biochar except for a negative effect of the highest annual rates of 50 Mg ha^?1 in the first year after application. In conclusion, the present wood-based biochar poorly affected the measured microbial processes and generally resulted in similar crop yields in reference and biochar-amended soil plots.     

Possibilities of using sewage sludge as nitrogen fertilizer for maize

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilizer sources of ammonium sulphate and municipal sewage sludge on yield, N content and uptake of the maize (Zea mays L.). Nutrient and heavy metals were determined in soil and plant. The experiment with three sludge rates (256, 513 and 1026 kg total N ha^?1 or 9.5, 18.0 and 38.1 t ha^?1 sludge), two nitrogen rates (80 and 160 kg N ha^?1) and zero-N control were conducted on a clay loam soils under irrigated conditions in Eastern Anatolia region in Turkey. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Yield, N content and total N uptake of maize increased significantly with sludge application. 9.5 t and 19.0 t ha^?1 sewage sludge applications did not significantly affect heavy metal content of leaf and grain. However, 38.1 t ha^?1 sludge applications increased leaf Pb and Zn. DTPA-extractable Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn concentrations of the soil increased at applications of 38.1 t ha^?1 sewage sludge, whereas applications of 9.5 t and 19.0 t ha^?1 sludge only resulted in elevated levels of Cu and Zn, We conclude that if sewage sludge is to be used in production of maize, applications rate up to 19 t ha^?1 could be accepted. However, this means also that the N requirement of maize crop is not covered by the sludge; therefore, the rest of nitrogen could be supplied as inorganic N.     

Compost and Manure Effects on Fertilized Corn Silage Yield and Nitrogen Uptake under Irrigation

Abstract

Dairy manure increases the yields of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from eroded, furrow‐irrigated soils and may increase corn (Zea mays L.) silage yield from steeper eroded areas under sprinkler irrigation. In a 2‐year field study in southern Idaho on Portneuf silt loam (coarse silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Durinodic Xeric Haplocalcid), the effects of a one‐time, fall application of 29 or 72 Mg ha^?1 of dry manure or 22 or 47 Mg ha^?1 of dry compost on subsequent silage yield and nitrogen (N) uptake from previously eroded, sprinkler‐irrigated hill slopes were evaluated. In October 1999, stockpiled or composted dairy manure was disked to a depth of 0.15 m into plots with slopes from 0.8 to 4.4%. After planting field corn in 2000 and 2001, a low‐pressure, six‐span traveling lateral sprinkler system was utilized to apply water at 28 mm h^?1 in amounts sufficient to satisfy evapotranspiration to 6.4‐×36.6‐m field plots. Yields in 2000 were 27.5 Mg ha^?1, similar among all rates of all amendments and a fertilized control. In 2001, compost applied at oven‐dry rates up to 47 Mg ha^?1 increased yield compared to controls. Silage yield in 2001 increased initially then decreased with increasing manure applications. Where compost or manure was applied, regardless of rate, 2‐year average N uptake was 15% greater than controls. Regardless of treatment or year, yields decreased linearly as soil slope increased.     

Interaction of Changes in pH and Urease Activity Induced by Biochar Addition Affects Ammonia Volatilization on an Acid Paddy Soil Following Application of Urea

A pot experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the interaction of changes in pH and urease activity induced by biochar addition affects ammonia (NH₃) volatilization on acid soils following application of urea. The results showed that the difference in accumulative NH₃ volatilization between biochar addition rates of 20 and 0 Mg ha^–1 was not significant, while the biochar addition rate of 40 Mg ha^–1 had 42% higher accumulative NH₃ volatilization than the biochar addition rate of 0 Mg ha^–1. Soil pH significantly increased with increasing biochar addition rate. The soil urease activity was significantly reduced by biochar addition, but there was no significant difference between biochar addition rates of 20 and 40 Mg ha^–1. These results support our hypothesis and suggest that the biochar addition rate may need to be properly selected in order to minimize fertilizer-N loss through NH₃ volatilization on urea-fertilized acid paddy soils.     

Biochar and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer effects on maize (Zea mays L.) nitrogen use and yield in moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major nitrogen consuming crop, as nitrogen is considered as an important determinant of its grain yield. Though inorganic fertilizer is widely recommended, the problem of high cost and inaccessibility limit its usage by resource poor farmers. Biochar application provides a new technology for both soil fertility and crop productivity improvement. With limited research on the suitability of biochar for soil improvement practices in Ghana, our objective was to determine the synergistic effect of biochar and inorganic fertilizer on the nitrogen uptake, nitrogen use efficiency, and yield of maize. Field experiment was conducted in Ghana, KNUST, in the major and minor raining seasons. Biochar was applied at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t ha^?1 and fertilizer N applied at 0, 45, and 90?kg ha^?1. The results showed significantly (p??1 supplemented with 45?kg N ha^?1 increased N uptake by 200%, and grain yield by 213% and 160% relative to the control in the minor and major rainy seasons, respectively. The greater yield of maize recorded on biochar-amended soils was attributed to the improved N uptake and nitrogen use efficiency. In conclusion, our finding suggests that the application of combined biochar and inorganic N fertilizer is not only ecologically prudent, but economically viable and a practicable alternative to current farmers’ practice of cultivating maize in Ghana.     

Interactive effect of brassinolide and lime on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) on acid soils of South-East Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Our aim was to determine the combined effect of brassinolide (BR) and lime on the growth and yield of maize on acid soils of South East Nigeria using two BR levels (0 and 250 mL), two maize varieties [Ikom White (IKW) and Oba-98] and two lime levels (0 kg ha^?1 and 500 kg ha^?1). The IKW was better (P ≤ 0.05) in growth morphology than Oba-98; however, Oba-98 was more (p ≤ 0.05) efficient in intercepting radiation (420.16 μmol m^?2s^?1) than IKW (325.08 μmol m^?2s^?1). The 500 kg ha^?1 lime plus BR improved (P ≤ 0.05) nitrogen (N) uptake, dry matter yield, harvest index, shoot to root ratio, and grain yield, especially in Oba-98. Thus, the interactive action of BR and lime could increase the soil pH to an extent for enhanced yield of hybrid maize.     

Ryegrass yield and nutrient status after biochar application in two Mediterranean soils

This study was conducted to evaluate whether biochar, produced by pyrolysis at 300°C from rice husk and grape pomace (GP), affects plant growth, P uptake and nutrient status. A 3-month period of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivation was studied on two Mediterranean agricultural soils. Treatments comprised control soils amended only with compost or biochar, and combinations of biochar plus compost, with the addition of all nutrients but P (FNoP) or without any fertilization at all (NoF). Application of both types of biochar or/with compost, in the presence of inorganic fertilization except P, significantly increased (P < 0.05) dry matter yield of ryegrass (58.9–77.6%), compared with control, in sandy loam soil, although no statistically significant increase was observed in loam soil. GP biochar and GP biochar plus compost amended loam soil harvests gave higher P uptake than control, in the presence of inorganic fertilization except P, whereas in sandy loam soil, a statistical increase was recorded only in the last harvest. In addition, Mn and Fe uptake increased with the addition of the amendments in both soils, while Ca increased only in the alkaline loam soil. Biochar addition could enhance ryegrass yield and P uptake, although inorganic fertilization along with soil condition should receive special attention.     

Biochar properties and soil type drive the uptake of macro‐ and micronutrients in maize (Zea mays L.)

The use of biochar in agriculture is a promising management tool to mitigate soil degradation and anthropogenic climate change. However, biochar effects on soil nutrient bioavailability are complex and several concurrent processes affecting nutrient bioavailability can occur in biochar‐amended soils. In a short‐term pot experiment, the concentration of N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, B, Fe, and Na in the shoots of maize grown in three different soil types [sandy soil (S1), sandy loam (S2), and sandy clay loam (S3)] was investigated. The soils were either unamended or amended with two different biochars [wheat straw biochar (SBC) or pine wood biochar (WBC)] at two P fertilizer regimes (–/+ P). We used three‐way ANOVA and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) of transformed ionomic data to identify the effects of biochar, soil, and P fertilizer on the shoot nutrient concentrations. Three distinct effects of biochar on the shoot ionome were detected: (1) both biochars added excess K to all three soils causing an antagonistic effect on the uptake of Ca and Mg in maize shoots. (2) Mn uptake was affected by biochar with varying effects depending on the combined effect of biochar and soil properties. (3) WBC increased maize uptake of B, despite the fact that WBC increased soil pH and added additional calcite to the soil, which would be expected to reduce B bioavailability. The results of this study highlight the fact that the bioavailability of several macro and micronutrients is affected by biochar application to soil and that these effects depend on the combined effect of biochar and soils with different properties.     

A comparison of a pasture ley with a maize monoculture on the soil fertility and nutrient release in the succeeding crop

Specialization within agriculture has been a key factor in increasing farm income. The production systems have become increasingly simple, since farmers only grow a small number of crops which have a favourable market price. However, monocultural systems require increasing use of agrochemicals leading to unsustainable environmental costs. In this work, the soil fertility of two plots in a crop rotation previously grown for 5 years as pasture or maize monoculture was evaluated. In the pasture, the upper 0–20 cm soil layer sequestered 17.4 Mg organic C ha^?1 and accumulated 403 kg N ha^?1 more than under maize monoculture. Analytical data from pot experiments showed that soil samples from the pasture plot released significantly more mineral N than soil samples from the maize monoculture. Maize dry matter (DM) yields in 2012 and 2013 were 15.3 and 10.0 Mg ha^?1 in the pasture plot and 8.8 and 8.4 Mg ha^?1 in the maize monoculture plot. Nitrogen recoveries by maize were 175.4 and 68.0 kg ha^?1 in the pasture and 78.3 and 50.3 kg ha^?1 in the maize monoculture plot. The pool of organic matter accumulated during the pasture phase immobilized important nutrients which benefited the succeeding crop as the organic substrate was mineralized.     

Effect of biochar and nitrapyrin on nitrous oxide and nitric oxide emissions from a sandy loam soil cropped to maize

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined or individual effects of biochar and nitrapyrin (a nitrification inhibitor) on N₂O and NO emissions from a sandy loam soil cropped to maize. The study included nine treatments: addition of urea alone or combined with nitrapyrin to soils that had been amended with biochar at 0, 3, 6, and 12 t ha^?1 in the preceding year, and a control without the addition of N fertilizer. Peaks in N₂O and NO flux occurred simultaneously following fertilizer application and intense rainfall events, and the peak of NO flux was much higher than that of N₂O following application of basal fertilizer. Mean emission ratios of NO/N₂O ranged from 1.11 to 1.72, suggesting that N₂O was primarily derived from nitrification. Cumulative N₂O and NO emissions were 1.00 kg N₂O-N ha^?1 and 1.39 kg NO-N ha^?1 in the N treatment, respectively, decreasing to 0.81–0.85 kg N₂O-N ha^?1 and 1.31–1.35 kg NO-N ha^?1 in the biochar amended soils, respectively, while there was no significant difference among the treatments. NO emissions were significantly lower in the nitrapyrin treatments than in the N fertilization-alone treatments (P?<?0.05), but there was no effect on N₂O emissions. Neither biochar nor nitrapyrin amendment affected maize yield or N uptake. Overall, our results showed that biochar amendment in the preceding year had little effect on N₂O and NO emissions in the following year, while the nitrapyrin decreased NO, but not N₂O emissions, probably due to suppression of denitrification caused by the low soil moisture content.     

Effect of sewage sludge on nodulation and N2−fixation in alfalfa grown on calcareous loamy soils

The influence of different rates of sludge applications to calcareous loamy soils of Saudi Arabia, on nodulation and symbiotic N₂?fixation in alfalfa plants (Medicago sativa L.) was studied in a pot experiment. The effect of heavy metals accumulation in soil due to continuous irrigation of the test soil with sewage water was also investigated. Application of up to 80 g sludge per pot enhanced nodulation, nitrogenase activity, dry matter yield and N-contents of alfalfa plants growing in loamy soils either previously irrigated with sewage water or well water. However, sludge applied at the rate of 160–200 g pot^?1 inhibited the nodulation, N accumulation and dry matter yield of alfalfa. The response of alfalfa to sludge was dependent on the rhizobial strain used. Our results also showed that accumulation of heavy metals due to continuous irrigation of a calcareous sandy loam soil with sewage water, for more than 10 years, didn't inhibit N₂?fixation in alfalfa plants, but enhanced it. Microelements in alfalfa plants increased with increase in the rate of sludge application. Although high rates of sludge application affected nodulation and N₂?fixation of alfalfa, dry matter and the nitrogen contents of the plants were not highly affected. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of high rates of sludge was most probably due to the toxic effect of heavy metals on the microsymbiont rather than on the plants.     

Sewage sludge treated with bentonite,vermiculite or biochar can improve soil properties and enhance growth of grasses

Sewage sludge treated with 15% bentonite, vermiculite or biochar was evaluated as a soil amendment in comparison to limed and untreated sludge. Seven treatments were established to two soils, an acid and an alkaline, in three replications, i.e. 2% addition of sludge treated with bentonite, vermiculite, biochar and lime and application of 2% untreated sludge, inorganic fertilization and no sludge or inorganic fertilizers (control). Then, the soil treatments were used in a pot experiment with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as a test plant. Sludge treated with the clay minerals or biochar improved pH of the acid soil and significantly increased organic matter and available nutrients of both soils compared to control. Although no salinity or sodicity hazard was evidenced, the initial salinity of acid and alkaline soil increased by four-eight and two-three times, respectively, upon addition of all sludge treatments, especially that of untreated sludge. Moreover, soil available zinc (Zn) increased by four-eight times. Soil application of sludge treated with the clay minerals or biochar increased the total aboveground biomass yield of ryegrass in the acid and alkaline soil by 133%–171% and 72%–88%, respectively, compared to control and enhanced nutrient uptake by plants. Furthermore the microbial metabolic quotient indicated lack of low pH and heavy metal stress with addition of sludge to the acid soil. After three harvests of ryegrass, the residual effect of sludge on pH of acid soil and salinity, available phosphorus (P), Zn and boron (B) of both soils still persisted. Thus sewage sludge treated with 15% bentonite, vermiculite or biochar could be applied to soils at a rate of 2% (≈80 Mg ha⁻¹) to serve as soil amendment and fertilizer for grasses and pasture species; however, caution is needed regarding possible P build-up, Zn phytotoxicity and salinization risks.     

Runoff and losses by erosion in soils amended with sewage sludge

In order to promote the transformation of a burnt Mediterranean forest area into a dehesa system, 10 t ha⁻¹ of dry matter of the same sewage sludge in three different forms: fresh, composted and thermally‐dried, were added superficially to field plots of loam and sandy soils located on a 16 per cent slope. This application is equivalent to 13ċ8 t ha⁻¹ of composted sludge, 50 t ha⁻¹ of fresh sludge and 11ċ3 t ha⁻¹ of thermally‐dried sludge. The surface addition of a single application of thermally‐dried sludge resulted in a decrease in runoff and erosion in both kinds of soil. Runoff in thermally‐dried sludge plots was lower than in the control treatment (32 per cent for the loam soil and 26 per cent for the sandy soil). The addition of any type of sludge to both soil types also reduces sediment production. Significant differences between the control and sludge treatments indicate that the rapid development of plant cover and the direct protective effect of sludge on the soil are the main agents that influence soil erosion rates. Results suggest that the surface application of thermally‐dried sludge is the most efficient way to enhance soil infiltration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biochar from Different Carbonaceous Waste Materials: Ecotoxicity and Effectiveness in the Sorption of Metal(loid)s

In this study, biochar produced by pyrolysis of urban pruning wood (Bpw) and sewage sludge (Bss) were characterized and investigated as adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), and As(V) from contaminated solutions. Both types of biochars showed different physical-chemical properties and metal(loid) content. In Bss, Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations exceeded the upper limit of the common ranges in soils. However, when they were tested for their effect on soil invertebrates, neither of the biochar was expected to exert negative effects as long as the dose applied as an amendment was ≤?4.8 t ha^?1. For an assessment of the effectiveness of biochar in the immobilization of metal(loid)s, three contaminated solutions with acidic pH and different pollutant concentrations were added to both types of biochar. Precipitation as oxy-hydroxides and the formation of complexes with active functional groups of the organic matter were the main mechanisms of metal(loid) fixation by the biochar, with increased precipitation and a rising pH. Both types of biochar were effective at immobilizing Pb and Cu, while Zn showed less effectiveness in this regard and As the least. The high P content of the biochar from sewage sludge favored Pb fixation, presumably forming complexes with phosphates, while competition between phosphate and arsenate ions decreased As adsorption by Fe compounds. The metal(loid)s immobilized by biochar from urban pruning wood were more bioavailable than those fixed by biochar from sewage sludge.     

The effect of winery solid waste compost application on maize growth,biomass yield,and nutrient content under greenhouse conditions

A greenhouse study was conducted to assess the fertilizer value and determine the optimum application rate of five winery solid waste (WSW) composts containing varied filter material (FM) mixed proportions with grape marc and pruning canes using maize. The composts comprised of 4, 10, 20, 30, and 40% FM (w/w) designated C4FM, C10FM, C20FM, C30FM, and C40FM, respectively. Application rates of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 t ha^?1 were used; while unamended control and inorganic NPK fertilizer treatments were included as references. The results showed that application of composts with 20% FM or more at 80 t ha^?1 significantly increased the dry matter yield more than NPK fertilizer but full potential was not reached due to inadequate nitrogen supply. Maize shoot K content from compost treatments exceeded the critical nutrient level while the shoot Zn content from compost treatments with 20% FM or less also exceeded the critical level. The results revealed that these composts could serve as potential good sources of K and Zn for maize production, particularly, in sandy soils where these nutrients are often reported to be deficient. Quantitative estimate of the optimum rate of the composts for dry matter production ranged from 75 to 307 t ha^?1.     

INCREASING SAR OF IRRIGATION WATER AGGRAVATES BORON TOXICITY IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

We evaluated the effect of boron (B) application on shoot growth and shoot B concentration and uptake by two maize cultivars (‘FHY-396’ and ‘Sonari’) on a loam soil irrigated with water of different sodium absorption ratio (SAR) values [control, 5 and 15 (mmol_c L^?1)^1/2]. Plants were harvested after forty days of growth. Shoot dry matter decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with B application due to toxicity marked by leaf injury. Toxic effect of B was further aggravated by increasing SAR of irrigation water. In both cultivars concentration and uptake of B was significantly (P < 0.05) increased over control with B application and SAR of irrigation water. Shoot Ca concentration decreased with increasing SAR and B application. The phenomena of B toxicity and low Ca marked by reduction in shoot dry matter of plants irrigated with high SAR water could be important in management of brackish water used for irrigating crops on arid and semiarid region soils.     

Incinerated Sewage Sludge Products as Amendments for Agricultural Soils: Leaching and Plant Uptake of Trace Elements

Preliminary leaching column and greenhouse plant uptake studies were conducted in two soils with contrasting characteristics amended with varying rates (0 to 148.3 Mg ha^?1) of incinerated sewage sludge (ISS) and weathered sewage sludge (WISS) to estimate the leaching losses of trace elements from the soils amended with incinerated sewage sludge by products and to evaluate the uptake and accumulation of these elements in various parts of Sorghum vulgaris var. sudanense Hitche. (“Sorgrass''), a Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid. Results of this study indicated that leaching of Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe and Mn from soils amended with ISS and WISS increased with increasing rates of amendment. Results of the leaching column study further revealed greater leaching losses from coarse-textured soil compared to medium-textured soil and also from ISS amended soils than with WISS amended soils. Results further suggested that the type of element and the interaction between the element and soil properties affected the leachability of various trace elements. The uptake study indicated uptake and accumulation of trace elements by plant parts increased with increasing rates of amendments. Greater plant uptake and accumulation of trace elements were observed in plant parts grown in soils amended with ISS compared to that of WISS. Results also indicated a greater accumulation of trace elements in below ground part of the plants (roots) compared to that was observed in above ground parts (shoots). Limited data obtained from this one season preliminary studies demonstrated that incinerated sewage sludge products from wastewater treatment plants could be used as soil amendments at low application (no more than 24.7 Mg ha^?1) for optimum plant growth, and dry matter yield without resulting in substantial accumulation of metals in plant parts at concentrations above the recommended critical limits and without causing significant leaching losses of various trace elements. It is imperative that long-term field studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term impact of using these new products in leaching and accumulation of various trace elements in plants and soils.     

Effectiveness of Gypsum and Pyrite for Sulfur Fertilization on Yield and Quality of Indian Mustard under Rainfed Conditions of North India

Field trials were conducted for two consecutive years during the rabi season in sandy loam soils of Jammu (north India) under rainfed conditions to study the effect of gypsum and pyrite for sulfur (S) nutrition on the oil content, S uptake, and yield of Indian mustard. Application of S through gypsum or pyrite either in natural or ground form increased S content, uptake, oil content, and yield of mustard significantly over the control. Among the different treatments, S application at 50 kg S ha^?1 of ground gypsum (GM₂S₂) recorded the significantly highest mean seed yield of 20.30 and 18.01 q ha^?1, which lead to an increase of 30 and 29.8% in the first and second year, respectively, over the control. For the duration of the experiment, it was observed that 25 kg S ha^?1 was the optimum dose, preferably of ground gypsum, for mustard crops under rainfed conditions.     

Effects of biochar and fertilizer management on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) feedstock and soil properties

The need for bioenergy is increasing with increase in global energy demand, and sustainable soil and fertilizer management practices for bioenergy feedstock production are gaining importance. In this greenhouse study, we evaluated the effects of biochar and fertilizer nitrogen on soil and energy crop sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. var. Giganteus). Sunflower plants were treated with three rates of biochar, control (0 Mg ha^?1), low (25 Mg ha^?1) and high (50 Mg ha^?1), and three rates of fertilizers, 0% (control), 50% (low) and 100% (high) of the recommended nitrogen dose. Plant height, quality (chlorophyll content), biomass yield, feedstock energy, ash content and tissue nutrients were measured along with soil moisture and pH. Results showed an 11% increase in mean plant height under low biochar compared to control biochar-treated plants. High nitrogen treatment produced 26% and 18% more stalk and total above-ground plant (whole plant) biomass, respectively, compared to the control nitrogen treatment. High biochar treatment resulted in higher soil moisture holding, but lower soil pH than the control biochar treatment. Plant quality, energy and ash contents were not affected by either biochar or nitrogen. The plant tissue analysis provides a complete tissue macro- and micronutrient information on sunflower cultivar Giganteus, which was not done previously.