Journal of Environmental Biology

Impact of biochar on nutrient uptake by tomato, residual soil properties and acidity indices in acid Inceptisol of Meghalaya

O.S. Yadav*, Sanjay-Swami and T.V. Sowjanya 

School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam (Barapani) - 793 103,? India

*Corresponding Author Email : oguboina.srikanthyadav@gmail.com ??????????

Paper received: 13.06.2020 ?????? ???????????????????????????????????????Revised received: 03.10.2020 ???????????? ????????????????????????????????Accepted: 30.10.2020

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the impact of biochar as component of integrated nutrient management on nutrient uptake by tomato in acid soil of Meghalaya, North East India.

Methodology: A field experiment was conducted at research farm of SNRM, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences (CPGS-AS), Central Agricultural University (CAU-I), Umiam during rabi 2017-18 taking tomato, cv. Megha Tomato-2 as test crop. Sixteen treatment combinations of recommended closes of fertilizers, biochar and vermicompost? were tested in RBD with three replications.?

Results: The experimental results revealed that combined application of biochar, fertilizers and vermicompost increased the uptake and availableof N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu over graded doses of biochar + fertilizers, biochar alone and control. Electrical conductivity, bulk density, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable aluminium and acid saturation followed the same trend.?       

Interpretation: The 100% RDF + biochar 4 t ha^-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha^-1 is the most appropriate combination for increasing tomato productivity and improving soil health of acidic soil in Meghalaya.          

Key words: acid soil, Biochar, integrated nutrient management, tomato

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