Effect of Biochar and Silicon with Different Phosphorus Levels on Maize Yield and Soil Chemical Properties

Abstract

Silicon fertilizer combine with biochar would absolutely maximize the ability for improved the utilization of Phosphorus fertilization application. The experiment was carried out by completely randomized design with three replications with 8 treatment (50% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0.4 g P, 50% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0.3 g P, 50% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0.5 g P, 50% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0 g P, 25% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0.4 g P, 25% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0.3 g P, 25% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0.5 g P and 25% RHB + 0.75 g Si + 0 g P) in the greenhouse until 75-days. To identify the optimum rate of phosphorus combining with rice husk biochar and Si for maximizing maize yield and soil chemical properties. This experiment showed that the application of biochar combine with silicon has a potential to reduce the amount of phosphorus fertilizer requirement. T2 (5 t ha^-1 RHB + 100% Si + 25% TSP) showed the highest pH compared to other treatment. T8(5 t ha^-1 RHB + 100% Si + 100% TSP) showed the highest exchangeable K, Ca & Mg. T4 (5 t ha^-1 RHB + 100% Si + 100% TSP) recorded the highest dry biomass compared to other treatment. T3 (5 t ha^-1 RHB + 100% Si + 50% TSP) Showed the highest cob length(cm), cob weight(g), no of grain per cob and grain yield (t/ha) compared to other treatment. Results indicate that treatments with 5 t ha^-1 RHB + 100% Si + 50% TSP are recommended, instead of other treatment to improve the maize productivity