Wheat Straw Biochar Produced at a Low Temperature Enhanced Maize Growth and Yield by Influencing Soil Properties of Typic calciargid

Arid and semi-arid soils are low in organic matter have poor fertility, making them a serious threat to crop production. Most amendments, such as residues farmyard manure, short lived because of rapid decomposition. Incubation pot studies were conducted assess the impact wheat straw biochar (produced at 350 °C) on temporal changes soil microbial biomass fertility status evaluate efficacy for maize production top layer Typic calciargid. The incubation study compared four levels (control, 0.5, 1.0 2.0% w/w basis soil) two fertilizer rates, i.e., unfertilized (no NPK fertilizer) fertilized (nitrogen, P2O5 K2O with rates 125, 80 52.5 mg kg−1 soil, respectively). After incubation, significantly improved cation exchange capacity, carbon by up 35, 59 26%, respectively, while decreasing pH 1.5% that control treatment. When fertilized, soil’s available phosphorous, extractable potassium total nitrogen 59, 39 28%, those control. results from experiment showed using 1% increased dry grain yield 57 72%, Additionally, phosphorus recoveries mineral fertilizers (up 26 38%, respectively) when 1.0% Conclusively, addition growth enhancing nutrient recovery improving properties.