Vol. 11, Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
Prayasi Nayak, Sumit Chaturvedi, VC Dhyani, Subhash Chandra, Kamal Kant Yadav and Aishwariya Mangraj

Abstract:
Around the world, Asia produces and consumes 90% of the world's rice. The sustainability of the rice-wheat cropping system has been questioned in light of the issues that have occurred in recent years in those areas. Low nitrogen use efficiency and ineffective crop residue management are two of the main issues limiting the productivity of the rice-wheat cropping system. The majority of agricultural production systems have relied on large inputs of nitrogen (N) fertiliser, which has led to a rapid increase in the use of mineral (synthetic) fertiliser over time. However, N use efficiency has decreased in most regions. This straw must be applied on an annual basis to maintain adequate soil fertility, but applications can be made in a more sustainable manner to improve soil and crop quality and should be cost-effective. The use of biochar in agriculture, as well as its impact on overall climate change, the soil environment, and plant growth, has sparked increased interest in agricultural science fields. Overuse of inorganic fertilisers gradually reduces microbial biomass, whereas organic sources such as biochar and straw can increase soil microbial biomass carbon and enzyme activity, thereby improving soil health and supporting better plant growth and productivity.