Evaluating Banana-Derived Biochar for Enhancing Soil Fertility and Growth Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Calcareous Soils

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18091261

Abstract

Pakistan faces numerous challenges involving calcareous soils in dry regions, including poor organic content, diminished nutrient levels, and soil degradation, which all threaten the potential for sustainable agricultural practices. Climate smart biochar soil amendments are currently changing the face of agriculture in improving soil and crop health. To this point, the use of banana biochar as a soil and crop enhancement supplement has undergone limited research. The current study reports the impact of banana biochar on soil health and the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) during a greenhouse trial conducted at the Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences (LUAWMS), Uthal, Pakistan. The study followed a Complete Randomized Design in which 6 biochar amendments (0% (control), 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%) were replicated three times. The study analyzed agronomic responses associated with crop growth and soil amendments, and these included soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total nitrogen, and phosphorus and potassium availability as well as stem girth, plant height, and crop biomass. The results indicated that the use of biochar positively impacted all of the examined soil health indicators of organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and potassium (P<0.01), with peak outcomes achieved with the 25%-35% biochar amendments. Even though soil pH and electrical conductivity increased, changes were too small as to be statistically significant, whereas large enhancements in nutrient availability were achieved. Biochar improved stem girth and biomass production, with 35% biochar leading to the greatest stem girth (4.1 cm) and biomass (50.4 g). Although plant height improved, the change was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Ultimately, biochar enhanced soil fertility and the growth of maize, highlighting the value of banana biochar as a sustainable soil amendment for increasing the productivity of crops in the nutrient-deficient calcareous soils of Pakistan.