Soil Properties and Maize Yield Improvement with Biochar-Enriched Poultry Litter-Based Fertilizer

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Soil Science

Background:

• Poultry litter disposal is an environmental challenge.
• Biochar amendment to poultry litter can mitigate nutrient loss and enhance fertilizer properties.
• Developing effective organic fertilizers from waste materials is crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of biochar-amended poultry litter as an organic fertilizer on soil properties and maize yield.
• To analyze the physicochemical and biological changes in poultry litter with varying biochar doses.
• To determine the efficacy of biochar-modified litter in improving crop biomass and soil microbial activity.

Main Methods:

• A pot experiment was conducted using maize.
• Poultry litter was amended with biochar at 0%, 10%, and 20% doses.
• Soil physicochemical properties, biological activities (N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, respiration), and crop dry biomass yield were measured.

Main Results:

• Biochar amendment increased litter dry matter and organic carbon content.
• All tested fertilizers significantly enhanced maize dry aboveground biomass yield and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity.
• The 20% biochar dose resulted in the highest biomass yield, increased microbial respiration, and decreased soil pH.

Conclusions:

• Biochar modification of poultry litter produces an effective organic fertilizer that enhances soil microbial activity and maize yield.
• This approach offers an environmentally sound method for poultry litter disposal.
• Biochar-amended litter can improve soil conditions and crop productivity, even under mild soil acidification.