Integrated Nutrient Management using Biochar, Farm Yard Manure and Nitrogen Optimization to Improve Yield Attributes of Maize

Abstract

The use of organic fertilizers (biochar and FYM) is a possible solution to overcome the negative effects of chemical fertilizers and improve crop productivity and soil fertility on a long-term basis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the Integrated effect of biochar, FYM with nitrogen level for improving the yield and yield components of the maize crop. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in the summer of 2018. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used, having three replications of each treatment. Biochar and FYM were applied at the rate of 15-ton ha-1, 10-ton ha-1, along with nitrogen at the rate of 75 and 150 kg ha-1. Results of the current study found the maximum grain yield 5461 kg ha-1, plant height 234 cm, number of grains ear-1 549, biological yield 14430 kg ha-1 and ear height (116 cm) was best at FYM, 100 % recommended fertilizer. Conclusively, the use of organic source farmyard manure, biochar, along with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, enhanced the plant growth and development of the maize crop. Further study is needed to investigate the long-term effects of these organic nutrient sources.

Keywords: Biochar, FYM, Fertilizer, Maize, and Yield