Vol. 11, Special Issue 12 (2022)

Author(s):
Nandini R, HC Prakasha, CT Subbarayappa, GG Kadalli, MR Anand and N Umashankar

Abstract:
The large quantities of biomass residues, which should be considered as valuable residues, are disposed or burned and reasons unaffordable ecological issues and notable soil degradation. Recycling of biomass by converting it as a useful source of soil amendment is one of way to manage soil health and fertility. The conversion of valuable biomass into biochar could help to mitigate CO₂ emission and increase the carbon sequestration in the soil for sustainable climate-smart agriculture. Biochar addition to soil has attracted widespread attention as a method to sequester carbon in soil. Increased soil carbon sequestration can improve soil quality because of the vital role that carbon plays in physical, chemical and biological soil processes and many interfacial interactions. To further evaluate the influence of biochar application on soil fertility, a field experiment was conducted in the farmer’s field at Sidlaghatta (TQ), Chikkaballapur District. The data revealed that, the mulberry stalk biochar has recorded the bulk density of 0.32 Mg m^-3 and water holding capacity of 93.14 percent. The chemical composition of biochar found to be alkaline in nature with a pH of 8.53 and the electrical conductivity of 0.39 dS m^-1. The total carbon content of 69.37 percent was noticed, the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recorded at 0.89, 0.22 and 0.65 percent, respectively and also good amount of calcium, magnesium, and sulphur with the tune of 0.96, 0.48 and 0.18 percent, respectively. Biochar also recorded appreciable quantities of iron, zinc, manganese, copper and boron to an extent of 493, 34.59, 94.1, 20.55 and 33.5 mg kg^-1. Application of biochar improved the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The findings revealed that utilization of mulberry stalk as a biochar has positive effect on improving soil fertility and it reduce replace chemical fertilizers and promote organic farming in a circular economy concept of recycling the waste.