Abstract

GOMEZ, Leonardo Alonso et al. BIOCHAR AS AN AMENDMENT IN AN OXISOL AND ITS EFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF CORN. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2016, vol.19, n.2, pp.341-349. ISSN 0123-4226.

There is growing concern worldwide for the decline of soil quality. Numerous reports suggest the addition of biochar to increase soil fertility and crop productivity. The effect of applying different levels of biochar in a representative oxisol of Colombian Altillanura and its effect on corn growth was evaluated. Soil samples were collected and treated with African palm shell biochar, thermochemically obtained in a cylindrical fixed bed reactor, in a concurrent flow regime. Different temperatures were handled to prioritize obtaining biochar. Doses of biochar (m/m) of 0, 2, 5 and 10% were used and compared with treatment with lime. After 45 days incubation, under external environmental conditions, seeds of maize (Zea mays L.), Guacavía variety were planted in each container, without addition of fertilizer or amendment. The experimental units were plastic containers of 5kg. Although the plant material was collected 90 days after planting, it presented a vegetative phase V5. Nutrient uptake by corn was analyzed in whole plant. Independent biochar samples were analyzed and found predominance negative charges. In the mix biochar-soil increased P, Ca, Mg and K was observed, but did not increase Na. Al^{+ 3} proportional to the application of biochar was reduced. The Zn and Mg absorption increased significantly in maize, but also Fe uptake increased to toxic levels.

Keywords : Pyrolysis; plant uptake; palm kernel shell; clay soil.

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