DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate the response of biochar, farmyard manure (FYM), and NPK application, individually and combined, on maize yield and productivity parameters at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the summer of 2023.

Methodology

Field study conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Summer 2023. Experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Plot size was 3 m x 4.5 m. Spacing: 25 cm plant-to-plant, 75 cm row-to-row. Maize hybrid CS-200 was used. Treatments included three levels of biochar (0, 5, 10 t ha-1), three levels of FYM (0, 4, 8 t ha-1), and two levels of NPK (0% and 50% of recommended dose: N: 75 kg, P: 60 kg, K: 45 kg ha-1). Biochar and FYM were applied 20 days before sowing. Data collected included phenological stages (emergence, tasseling, silking, maturity), plant population, plant height, yield components (grains ear-1, thousand grains weight), biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, and soil properties (pH, EC). Data analyzed using statistical techniques at 5% probability level (Steel and Torrie, 1997).

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD; A[Field Trial Setup: RCBD, 3 Reps] --> B[Apply Treatments: Biochar, FYM, NPK Levels]; B --> C[Sow Maize Hybrid CS-200]; C --> D[Crop Growth Period]; D --> E[Data Collection: Phenology, Yield Components, Soil Properties]; E --> F[Statistical Analysis @ P0.05]; F --> G[Determine Significant Effects]; G --> H[Conclusion: Optimal Amendment Combination];                    

Discussion

The study confirmed that biochar and FYM significantly improve yield components and overall yield, likely by enhancing soil fertility and nutrient availability. Biochar specifically prolonged vegetative growth, delaying reproductive stages. While plant population and ear density were unaffected, grain number per ear and thousand-grain weight were positively influenced by all amendments. Biochar application increased soil pH, whereas FYM application increased soil EC. NPK application also significantly boosted yield parameters, consistent with its role in providing readily available nutrients for grain filling. The best performance was achieved with the highest tested rates of biochar (10 t ha-1), FYM (8 t ha-1), and 50% NPK dose.

Key Findings

- The effect of biochar, FYM, and NPK application on the duration of emergence, emergence m-2, number of plants at harvest (ha-1), and number of ears m-2 was non-significant.
- Biochar application at 10 t ha-1 significantly enhanced plant height (194 cm), number of grains ear-1 (403), thousand grains weight (355 g), biological yield (12260 kg ha-1), grain yield (4013 kg ha-1), harvest index (33 %), and soil pH (7.66), while delaying days to tasseling (56), silking (64), and physiological maturity (104).
- FYM application at 8 t ha-1 significantly increased plant height (193 cm), number of grains ear-1 (400), thousand grains weight (352 g), biological yield (12187 kg ha-1), grain yield (3943 kg ha-1), harvest index (32 %), soil pH (7.62), and soil electric conductivity (1.19 dS m-1), while delaying phenological stages similarly to biochar.
- NPK application at 50% of the recommended dose maintained maximum values for plant height (191 cm), grains ear-1 (402), thousand grains weight (349 g), biological yield (11958 kg ha-1), grain yield (3788 kg ha-1), harvest index (31 %), and soil EC (1.23 dS m-1), while delaying phenological stages.

Conclusion

Maize crop performed best with the application of biochar at 10 t ha-1, farmyard manure at 8 t ha-1, and NPK at 50% of the recommended dose (N: 75 kg, P: 60 kg, and K: 45 kg ha-1), and this combination is recommended for achieving higher seed yield and productivity.

Fact Check

1. The field study was conducted in the summer of 2023. (Confirmed in Abstract)
2. The highest grain yield recorded was 4013 kg ha-1, achieved with 10 t ha-1 biochar application. (Confirmed in Abstract/Table 12)
3. The recommended NPK dose tested was 50% (N: 75 kg, P: 60 kg, and K: 45 kg ha-1). (Confirmed in Abstract/Materials and Methods)

Mind Map