Investigating the Effect of Biochar and Hydrochar (Sugar Cane Bagasse) on Yield, Water Productivity and Nitrogen Leaching in Maize Cultivation

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Water Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Professor of Irrigation and Drainage, Faculty of Water Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Faculty of Water Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz, Iran

4 Assistant Professor of Irrigation and Drainage Department, Faculty of Water Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz, Iran

5 Professor, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University, Ahwaz

Abstract

In the modern world, it is necessary to have a sustainable agricultural system in which natural resources are utilized and at the same time does make any harmful to the environment. Nitrogen leaching is one of the most important problems in intensive farming for high crop production. Application of organic matter lead to reduce chemical inputs and achieve sustainable agricultural goals. Application of modified materials such as biochar and hydrochar can play an important role in creating optimal conditions for growth, increasing plant yield and reducing water consumption, as well as reducing nitrate leaching. In the present study, the effect of biochar and hydrochar, derived from sugar cane bagasse, on crop yield, water productivity and nitrogen leaching in maize cultivation under two irrigation levels of full and dificit (up to 30%) and two fertilization levels of 200 and 160 kg/ha of nitrogen for each sources of urea, biochar and hydrochar were investigated. Adding biochar and hydrochar to the soil increased the yield and water productivity and reduced drainage outflow and nitrogen leaching. In contrast to hydrochar,  biochar has a more effective role for the above mentioned parameters due to its high porosity and specific surface area. In comparison with urea application, using biochar and hydrochar at the optimum moisture conditions reduced drainage outflow 9.2 and 3.1% and nitrogen leaching 2.6 and 3.4%, respectively. Therefore, the use of biochar and hydrochar could be considered as an effective solution to reduce the negative effects of agriculture.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research
Volume 51, Issue 3
June 2020
Pages 753-761

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