Effects of Biochar and Ground Magnesium Limestone Application, with or without Bio-Fertilizer Addition, on Biochemical Properties of an Acid Sulfate Soil and Rice Yield

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of applying rice husk biochar (RHB) or ground magnesium limestone (GML) in combination with bio-fertilizer on soil biochemical properties and the yield of rice planted on an acid sulfate soil. The RHB or GML plus bio-fertilizer were applied each at the rate of 4 t ha−1. Applying the amendments increased soil pH (>5.0) and improved soil biochemical properties with a concomitant reduction of Al and Fe that resulted in enhanced rice growth. Applying GML plus bio-fertilizer resulted in increased soil N content (0.20%), available P (34.38 mg kg−1), exchangeable Ca (2.97 cmolc kg−1) and exchangeable Mg (2.45 cmolc kg−1); all these enhanced rice nutrient uptake. The highest bacterial population of 8.34 log10 CFU g−1 soil was found in the same treatment. Applying GML and RHB alone, or in combination with bio-fertilizer, was found to enhance rice growth and the yield. The highest plant height (90.33 cm), leaf chlorophyll content (38.05), plant tiller numbers (16), filled grains (86%), number of panicles per plant (18), lengths of panicles (24.40 cm), grain (5.24 t ha−1), straw yield (10.20 t ha−1) and harvest index (0.51) were determined in the GML plus bio-fertilizer, followed by RHB plus bio-fertilizer treatment. Thus, GML applied in combination with bio-fertilizer is considered as a promising agronomic package to sustain the production of rice planted on acid sulfate soils.

Combined Application of Biochar and Lime Increases Maize Yield and Accelerates Carbon Loss from an Acidic Soil

“…This mechanism is less important for this study since freshly prepared biochars with larger particle sizes were applied. Our result was in line with Panhwar et al [57], where they found 99.82% increased available P using biochar and bio-fertilizer.…”

Wasted Biomaterials from Crustaceans as a Compliant Natural Product Regarding Microbiological, Antibacterial Properties and Heavy Metal Content for Reuse in Blue Bioeconomy: A Preliminary Study

“…This unique combination of bioactive organic compounds, carbonate minerals, and nanoporosity makes crab shells an attractive complex natural product for various niches of agricultural applications or other smart biocomposites for wider applicability, as previously described [ 4 ]. Specifically related to agriculture, Panhwar et al [ 7 ] argued that the amendment of rice farming soil with ground magnesian limestone in combination with an organic fertilizer acted to elevate the soil pH, and exchangeable Ca and Mg nutrients, which in turn enhanced the plant growth. This observation [ 7 ] opens the avenue for the use of crab shells for fertilizing purposes.…”

“…Specifically related to agriculture, Panhwar et al [ 7 ] argued that the amendment of rice farming soil with ground magnesian limestone in combination with an organic fertilizer acted to elevate the soil pH, and exchangeable Ca and Mg nutrients, which in turn enhanced the plant growth. This observation [ 7 ] opens the avenue for the use of crab shells for fertilizing purposes.…”

Implementation of Rice and Maize Cultivation Technology Based on Agronomic Effectiveness

“…Constraints faced on dryland and swampland include low soil pH, low availability of nutrients, and high soil Fe content ( [10,11,12,13]. In paddy fields, the problem faced is a decrease in land productivity due to inappropriate management.…”

“…The results showed that low soil pH had an impact on reducing maize yields by 11-37% [15], and rice yields from 14.52-28.97% [16]. Rice productivity in acid soils can be increased, among others, through the application of lime [17], and the application of Ground Magnesium Limestone (GML) in combination with a biofertilizer [13].…”