Effect of biochar on red chili growth and production in heavy acid soil

Abstract

The addition of biochar to soil has been suggested as an environmentally friendly method to enhance soil properties and carbon sequestration and plant production; however, the effects of biochar on root growth and crop production in heavy acid soil is not fully understood. This study evaluated the effects of corn cob biochar on the growth and production of red chili (Capsicum annuum L.) in heavy acid soil in Thailand. The soil properties, aboveground and belowground biomasses, fruit dry weight, and fine root length growth and senescence were compared between two biochar conditions, B1 (6 .25 t ha-1) and B2 (12 .5 t ha-1), and a heavy acid soil control (CF). The soil properties, measured as % organic matter, % organic carbon, and pH, increased in heavy acid soil after applying corn cob biochar. The average aboveground biomass in the CF, B1, and B2 soils was 2,033 ± 1,507, 3,519 ± 1,504, and 3,779 ± 2,469 kg dry matter ha-1, and their average belowground biomass was 806 ± 322, 1,419 ± 513, and 1,288 ± 490 kg dry matter ha-1. The red chili yield in the CF, B1, and B2 soils was 1,497 ± 106, 2,268 ± 28, and 2,204 ± 48 kg dry matter ha-1. The total biomass, root dynamics, and yield in the biochar treatments (B1 and B2) were significantly different (p < 0.05) than CF. These results indicate that biochar can improve and stimulate red chili plant growth and crop production in heavy acid soil. Copyright © 2021, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.