Efficiency of Biochar and Bio-Fertilizers Derived from Maize Debris as Soil Amendments
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Published:
Jun 18, 2018
Keywords:
Biochar Brassica alboglabra Compost Organic carbon Soil amendment
Main Article Content
Abstract
Unsuitable handling of crop residues can result in many environmental problems such as air pollution and soil degradation. In the northern parts of Thailand, such problems are partly caused by the burning of agricultural debris after harvesting. The use of maize debris as an amendment for degraded soil can reduce such problems. The aims of this research were twofold. Firstly, to produce biochar and bio-fertilizer from maize debris to improve the quality of degraded agricultural soil. Secondly, to study the efficiency of biochar and bio-fertilizer in Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra) cultivation with two different water regimes. From the study, it was found that 2.8 kg of dry maize debris could produce 1 kg of biochar and could store 13.6% organic carbon, while 0.5 kg of dry maize debris mixed with 1.1 kg of cow dung could produce 1 kg bio-fertilizer and could store 16.4% organic carbon. Watering once a day resulted in an increase in the yield which was comparatively greater than watering twice a day. By adding bio-fertilizer at 25% (w/w) in soil, the fresh weight of the kale plants was found to be about six times greater than those grown in an untreated soil. A suitable amount of bio-fertilizer to be added to soil for Chinese kale cultivation ranged between 15-30% (w/w), while a maximum of 25-30% (w/w) bio-fertilizer in soil was sufficient for plant growth and it was not necessary to add biochar to the soil.
Article Details
How to Cite
Palakit, K., Duangsathaporn, K., Lumyai, P., Sangram, N., Sikareepaisarn, P., & Khantawan, C. (2018). Efficiency of Biochar and Bio-Fertilizers Derived from Maize Debris as Soil Amendments. Environment and Natural Resources Journal, 16(2), 79–90. Retrieved from https://ph02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ennrj/article/view/129060
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Original Research Articles
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References
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Sika MP. Effect of Biochar on Chemistry, Nutrient Uptake and Fertilizer Mobility in Sandy Soil [dissertation]. Stellenbosch, University of Stellenbosch; 2012.
Solaiman ZM, Blackwell P, Abbott LK, Storer P. Direct and residual effect of biochar application on mycorrhizal root colonisation, growth and nutrition of wheat. Australian Journal of Soil Research 2010;48:546-54.
Suksawang O. Biochar technology: to solve problems of global warming and abundances in the agricultural sectors. Proceedings of the Global Warming: Biodiversity and Sustainable Use Conference; 2009 Nov 5-6; Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon pathom: Thailand; 2009. p. 172-84.
Upadhyay KP, George D, Swift RS, Galea V. The influence of biochar on growth of lettuce and potato. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 2014;13(3):541-6.
van Zwieten L, Kimber S, Downie A, Morris S, Petty S, Rust J, Chan KY. A glasshouse study on the interaction of low mineral ash biochar with nitrogen in a sandy soil. Australian Journal of Soil Research 2010;48(6-7):569-76.
Wang J, Pan X, Liu Y, Zhang X, Xiong Z. Effects of biochar amendment in two soils on greenhouse gas emissions and crop production. Plant and Soil 2012;360:287-98.
Weerasekara CS. Effects of Biochar on Yield and Nitrogen Nutrition of Warm-Season Biomass Grasses [dissertation]. The University of Missouri-Columbia; 2015.
Wongwicharn A, Siengjeaw P, Khiewsee N. Effect of
compost and chemical fertilizer on soil properties and Chinese kale yield in Roi-et soil series. Proceedings of the 17th World Congress of Soil Science; 2002 Aug 14-21; Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok: Thailand; 2002.
Yeboah E, Asamoah G, Kofi B, Abunyewa AA. Effect of biochar type and rate of application on maize yield indices and water use efficiency on an Ultisol in Ghana. Energy Procedia 2016;93:1-18.
Zheng W, Sharma BK, Rajagopalan N. Using biochar as a soil amendment for sustainable agriculture. Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United States; 2010.
Zhu QH, Peng XH, Huang TQ, Xie ZB, Holden NM. Effect of biochar addition on maize growth and nitrogen use efficiency in acidic red soils. Pedosphere 2014;24(6):699-708.
Zhu Q, Peng X, Huang T. Contrasted effects of biochar on maize growth and N use efficiency depending on soil conditions. International Agrophysics 2015;29:257-66.
Bureau of Agricultural Quality Development. Compost. Plant Protection Promotion and Soil-Fertilizer Management Division. Department of Agricultural Extension. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives [Internet]. 2012 [cited 2017 Dec 25]. Available from: https://www.lampang.doae.go.th/wp-content/uploads/ 2015/02/data1.pdf (in Thai)
Bureau of Land Conservation and Land Use Planning. Marvelous soil series. Land Development Department. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. 2005. (in Thai)
Chen J, Wu JH, Si HP, Lin KY. Effects of adding wood vinegar to nutrient solution on the growth, photosynthesis and absorption of mineral elements of hydroponic lettuce. Journal of Plant Nutrition 2016;39(4):456-62.
Coomer TD, Oosterhuis DM, Longer DE, Loka DA. The influence of poultry litter biochar on early season cotton growth. Discovery, the Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences 2013;14:12-7.
Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency [Internet]. 2013. [cited 2018 Mar 29]. Available from: https://biomass.dede.go.th/biomass _web/index.html
Giulia C, Anna B, Corrado L, Antonnio E. Influence of biochar, mycorrhizal inoculation and fertilizer rate on growth and flowering of pelargonium (Pelargonium zonale L.) plants. Frontiers in Plant Science 2015;6:429(1-11).
Hunt J, DuPonte M, Sato D, Kawabata A. The basics of biochar: a natural soil amendment. Soil and Crop Management 2010;30:1-6.
Liang F, Li G, Lin Q, Zhao X. Crop yield and soil properties in the first 3 years after biochar application to a calcareous soil. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 2014;13(3):525-32.
Lehmann J, Gaunt J, Rondon M. Bio-char sequestration in terrestrial ecosystem: a review. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 2006;11(2): 395-427.
Li X, Shen Q, Zhang D, Mei X, Ran W, Xu Y, Yu G. Functional groups determine biochar properties (pH and EC) as studied by two-dimensional 13C NMR correlation spectroscopy. PLoS ONE 2013;8(6): e65949.
Liu Z, Dugan B, Masiello CA, Gonnermann HM. Biochar particle size, shape, and porosity act together to influence soil water properties. PLoS ONE 2017;12(6):e0179079.
Ma N, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Yang L, Yu C, Yin G, Doane TA, Wu Z, Zhu P, Ma X. Biochar improves soil aggregate stability and water availability in a Mollisol after three years of field application. PLoS ONE 2016;11(5):e0154091.
Major J, Lehmann J, Rondon M, Goodale C. Fate of soil-applied black carbon: downward migration, leaching and soil respiration. Global Change Biology 2010;16(4):1366-79.
Manaonok J, Gonkhamdee S, Dejbhimon K, Polpinit WK, Jothityangkoon D. Biochar: its effect on soil properties and growth of wet-direct seeded rice (a pot trial). Khon Kaen Agriculture Journal 2017;45(2):209-20.
Martinsen V, Mulder J, Shitumbanuma V, Sparrevik M, Børresen T, Cornelissen G. Farmer-led maize biochar trials: effect on crop yield and soil nutrients under conservation farming. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 2014;177:681-95.
McKenzie RH. Agricultural Soil Compaction: Causes and Management [Internet]. 2010. [cited 2017 Dec 25]. Available from: https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/ $department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex13331/$file/510-1.pdf?OpenElement
Norsuwan T, Jintrawet A, Lordkaew S. Feasibility of bio-char production for yield increment of lowland rice system. Journal of Science and Technology Mahasarakham Univeristy 2013;32(2):184-93.
Office of technology transfer and to supervise land development [Internet]. 2007 [cited 2018 March 25]. Available from: https://www.ldd.go.th/menu_ Dataonline/G1/G1_13.pdf (in Thai)
Pansu M, Gautheyrou J. Handbook of soil analysis: mineralogical, organic and inorganic methods. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer; 2006.
Rick D. Going Carbon Negative [Internet]. 2007 [cited 2017 Dec 25]. Available from: https:// www/shimbir.demon.co.uk/biocharref.htm
Robertson SJ, Rutherford PM, Lo´pez-Gutie´rrez JC, Massicotte HB. Biochar enhances seedling growth and alters root symbioses and properties of sub-boreal forest soils. Canadian Journal of Soil Science 2012;92:329-40.
Sawangpanyangkun T. Non-reversible organic fertilizer production: Maejo engineering method. Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry Maejo University, Thailand; 2015. (in Thai)
Schulz H, Glaser B. Effects of biochar compared to organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and plant growth in a greenhouse experiment. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 2012;175:410-22.
Sika MP. Effect of Biochar on Chemistry, Nutrient Uptake and Fertilizer Mobility in Sandy Soil [dissertation]. Stellenbosch, University of Stellenbosch; 2012.
Solaiman ZM, Blackwell P, Abbott LK, Storer P. Direct and residual effect of biochar application on mycorrhizal root colonisation, growth and nutrition of wheat. Australian Journal of Soil Research 2010;48:546-54.
Suksawang O. Biochar technology: to solve problems of global warming and abundances in the agricultural sectors. Proceedings of the Global Warming: Biodiversity and Sustainable Use Conference; 2009 Nov 5-6; Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon pathom: Thailand; 2009. p. 172-84.
Upadhyay KP, George D, Swift RS, Galea V. The influence of biochar on growth of lettuce and potato. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 2014;13(3):541-6.
van Zwieten L, Kimber S, Downie A, Morris S, Petty S, Rust J, Chan KY. A glasshouse study on the interaction of low mineral ash biochar with nitrogen in a sandy soil. Australian Journal of Soil Research 2010;48(6-7):569-76.
Wang J, Pan X, Liu Y, Zhang X, Xiong Z. Effects of biochar amendment in two soils on greenhouse gas emissions and crop production. Plant and Soil 2012;360:287-98.
Weerasekara CS. Effects of Biochar on Yield and Nitrogen Nutrition of Warm-Season Biomass Grasses [dissertation]. The University of Missouri-Columbia; 2015.
Wongwicharn A, Siengjeaw P, Khiewsee N. Effect of
compost and chemical fertilizer on soil properties and Chinese kale yield in Roi-et soil series. Proceedings of the 17th World Congress of Soil Science; 2002 Aug 14-21; Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok: Thailand; 2002.
Yeboah E, Asamoah G, Kofi B, Abunyewa AA. Effect of biochar type and rate of application on maize yield indices and water use efficiency on an Ultisol in Ghana. Energy Procedia 2016;93:1-18.
Zheng W, Sharma BK, Rajagopalan N. Using biochar as a soil amendment for sustainable agriculture. Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, United States; 2010.
Zhu QH, Peng XH, Huang TQ, Xie ZB, Holden NM. Effect of biochar addition on maize growth and nitrogen use efficiency in acidic red soils. Pedosphere 2014;24(6):699-708.
Zhu Q, Peng X, Huang T. Contrasted effects of biochar on maize growth and N use efficiency depending on soil conditions. International Agrophysics 2015;29:257-66.