THE EFFICIENCY OF RICE HUSK BIOCHAR APPLICATION TO GROW BRASSICA JUNCEA (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) IN THE EXPERIMENTAL POTS OF LOAMY SAND SOIL

Abstract

Biochar was produced from rice husk at temperature from 276 to 760 oC. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of the biochar application to loamy sand soil on crop growth and nutrient balances under greenhouse conditions in Hue city. Loamy sand soil was collected in Huong Chu commune, Huong Tra town. Pot experiments with Brassica juncea (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) were conducted in three different types of biochar quantity into soil such as 15 g/pot (765 g/m2), 30 g/pot (1531 g/m2) and 60 g/pot (3062 g/m2). Chemical fertilizer was applied to the soil at rates of 12.2÷ 24.5 g N/m2, 10.3÷ 20.6 g P2O5/m2 and 12.0 ÷ 24.0 g K2O/m2. Experimental results showed that biochar application changed soil quality, resulted in improving the growth of Brassica juncea. We will report the difference of nitrogen and phosphorus balances (crop uptake, leaching, retention, etc.) in experimental pots. Our results indicated that the use of biochar from agricultural by-products would be beneficial for farmers, the environment under soil and climatic conditions in Thua Thien Hue province.