Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Soil Chemistry and Physics, Water Resources and Desert Soils Division, Desert Research Center, El-Matareya, Cairo, Egypt.
2
Department of Soils and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, El-Shatby, Alexandria postal code 21545, Egypt.
3
Plant Ecology & Range Management Dept., Eco- Physiology Unit, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. Knowledge Systems Consultancy and Research Company, 7459 Al Olaya Branch 2207, Al Murooj District, Riyadh 12283,
4
Eco-Physiology Unit, Plant Ecology and Ranges Department, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.
5
Land and Water Technologies Department, Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute (ALCRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), 21934 New Borg El Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt.
Abstract
This study examined the long-term impacts of wheat straw biochar (WSB) and sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCBB) on sandy soil characteristics and growth of Moringa oleifera. A two-year field experiment was conducted using biochar rates of 0.00%, 0.25%, and 0.50% (w/w). Soil and plant samples were collected at the end of each year to examine soil pH, electric conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available macronutrients (N-P-K), and exchangeable cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺). Biochemical composition and qualitative analysis of moringa plant were conducted. Results demonstrated that biochar addition slightly increased soil pH, but the overall increase during two seasons was not significant, while EC showed a slightly significant increase. The 0.50% SCBB addition significantly increased available N, P, and K by 42.86%, 43.54%, and 133.70%, respectively. SCBB was better than WSB for the increasing exchangeable cations due to its higher CEC value and SSA, significantly improving soil CEC. SOM increased with higher biochar doses, due to its high organic carbon content. Both biochar types significantly (P < 0.05) influenced moringa growth parameters, including leaves weight, plant height, trunk diameter, and seeds weight. Biochar's effects on soil properties were more obvious in the first year, while its effect on vegetative growth was more significant in the second year. Biochar treatments significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the biochemical compositions of plant and higher values of biochemical compositions were observed in the first season. The PCA analysis of all variables shows a favorable correlation between the biochemical compositions and the 0.50% SCBB in both seasons. Conclusion: 0.50% SCBB treatment was the most effective treatment. Annual biochar should be added to sustain its positive effect on soil characteristics and plant growth.
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