Effects of chemical-based fertilizer replacement with biochar-based fertilizer on albic soil nutrient content and maize yield
Dawei Yin, Xiangyu Yang, Haize Wang, Xiaohong Guo, Shiqiang Wang, Zhihui Wang, Guohua Ding, Guang Yang, Jianing Zhang, Jin Liang, Yu Lan
Abstract
Abstract Biochar-based fertilizers are used to improve soil’s physiochemical and biological properties and increase fertilizer utilization rate. Therefore, a technological model of biochar-based fertilizers is essential for the reduced application. This study was conducted to determine the effects of the different levels of biochar-based fertilizer applications on soil and plant nutrient content, as well as maize yield. Biochar-based fertilizer increased the total N content of maize stem and kernel and the total P content of maize axis and kernel. Biochar-based fertilizer increased the total P but decreased the total K of maize plants while increasing the fertilizer’s partial productivity. Treatment B1 (600.00 kg hm −2 of biochar-based fertilizer) increased the dry-matter weight of the maize at silking and filling stages by 1.60 and 15.83%. Treatment B1 increased the ear length, diameter, and plant height. Compared with BCK (600.00 kg hm −2 of conventional fertilizer), the yield of B1 was increased by 9.23%, and the difference was significant ( p < 0.05). Biochar-based fertilizer treatments B2–B5 (biochar-based fertilizer reduced by 5–20%) reduced maize yield, but there was no significant difference between their yield and BCK. This study aimed to provide a basic understanding and reference for maize fertilizer reduction with good application prospects.