Abstract
In a field trial, Dalbergia sissoo biochar was used to investigate its potential for improving growth, yield and nutrient recovery
of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), at varying fertilizer rates under calcareous soil. Two biochar levels (0.0 and 1.0% of soil
weight) were used along with five fertilizer rates i.e. 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended inorganic fertilizer dose (RFD).
Seeds of wheat cultivar Faisalabad-2008 were sown in the field using 2 factorial-randomized complete block design. At reduced
fertilizer rates, biochar application improved plant growth parameters i.e. plant height, spike length, number of tillers hill
−1
and
grain yield over the respective treatments having inorganic fertilizer without biochar. Regarding nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P)
and potassium (K) content, the highest statistical results were achieved at reduced fertilizer doses along with biochar application
i.e. N and P content in wheat straw and grain at 50% RFD, straw N and P uptake at 75% RFD, grain N and K uptake at 50%
RFD and grain P uptake at 75% RFD. The highest N, P and K recovery was calculated in the treatments having 50% RFD +
biochar with 95%, 25% RFD + biochar with 38% and 25% RFD with 117%, respectively. In comparison with control treatment
(without fertilizer and biochar), biochar application improved soil CEC up to 40%. With biochar application, no any significant
change was observed in other soil chemical properties i.e. pH and EC. The results suggested that 1.0% biochar along with
reduced fertilizer doses, could be effectively used to improve wheat growth, yield, nutrient content and nutrient uptake under
field condition. Moreover, 1.0% biochar along with 75% of RFD can be effectively used in place of 100% RFD to get the
highest yield.
