Effect of Dung Cake Biochar and NP Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) and Selected Soil Physico-Chemical Properties

Abstract

Biochar as agricultural soil amendment to improve soil physico-chemical properties, crop productivity and sustainable soil fertility management is a well-known practice. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar on growth and yield components of carrot and selected soil physic-chemical properties. The study was carried by employing a randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement of four level of biochar (0, 4, 8 and 12 tons ha-1) and four level of Nitrogen/Phosphorus (N/P) fertilizer rate (0/0, 60/10, 90/15 and 120/20 kg ha-1) with four replications. Biochar significantly influenced physico-chemical properties of soils, such as bulk density, total porosity, pH, EC, SOC, TN, Av. P and CEC respectively, as compared to control. The results revealed substantial responses to biochar and N/P fertilization on growth and yield components of carrot with increasing level of biochar and N/P fertilizer rate. None of the others yield parameters were significantly affected by the interaction of two factors. From the present study, it can be concluded that dung cake biochar should be applied to enhance and improve soil physical and chemical properties for favourable plant growth.