The Effects of Biochar and Cadmium Applications on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize Plant

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of biochar (BC) and cadmium (Cd) on the yield and nutrient uptake of maize plant. It was carried out in 3 replications of 3 kg pots under greenhouse conditions. In the study, biochar (0% and 2% w/w) which is attained from rosehip seed and 4 different Cd doses (0 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg) were applied. In the research, P2088 maize species was used and harvested approximately 60 days after sowing and shoot dry matter production, Cd, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) concentrations were determined of maize plant. According to the results, the highest dry matter production was obtained with 27.52 g/pot in 2% BC and 4 mg/kg Cd application. However, in the research, dry matter production decreased with increasing Cd application in 0% BC application, whereas all Cd applications increased dry matter production in 2% BC application compared to control. The highest concentrations of P and K (0.39% P and 2.54% K) were determined in 0% BC and 2 mg/kg Cd, 2% BC and 0 mg/kg Cd applications whereas the highest N concentration of maize plant was determined in 2% BC and 0 mg / kg Cd application with 2.23% N.