Use of corncob biochar and urea for pakchoi (Brassica rapa l.) cultivation: Short-term impact of pyrolysis temperature and fertiliser dose on plant growth and yield

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pyrolysis temperature of corncob biochar as a soil amendment and urea fertiliser on the growth and yield of pakchoi. Pakchoi was cultivated in pots (13 cm height, 19 cm upper diameter, and 13.5 cm bottom diameter). Two factors including pyrolysis temperature of biochar and urea dose were combined with four levels each. Pyrolysis temperature factor consisted of B0 (no biochar), B1 (250 °C), B2 (300 °C), and B3 (350 °C). Urea dose consisted of F0 (no urea), F1 (0.6 g pot^–1), F2 (1.2 g pot^–1), and F3 (1.8 g pot^–1). All treatment combinations were randomly designed in triplicates. The amount of biochar was 90 g with total growing media of 3000 g. The results showed that pyrolysis temperature influenced significantly (a = 0.05) growth parameters, fresh yield, and water productivity. Pyrolysis temperature of 350 °C resulted in the highest growth and production with average yield of 30.6 g pot^–1, water productivity of 10.09 g cm^–3, and fertiliser productivity of 27.59-53.39 g g^–1 depending on the dose. In order to have optimal benefits, biochar application should be combined with fertiliser application.