Field-based investigation of aged biochar coupled with summer legumes effect on wheat yield in Pakistan

Abstract

There is a debate about whether the aged biochar effect can increase the crop yield or not. Herein, a field-based experimental data set and analysis provide the information on the aged biochar effect coupled with summer legumes on the yield of subsequent wheat. Briefly, in summer 2016, three different types of legumes i.e. mungbean, sesbania, and cowpea were grown with the intention of grain for human consumption, green manuring for soil fertility improvement, and fodder for livestock consumption. A fallow was also adjusted in the experiment with the purpose of comparison. Biochar was added to each experimental plot in triplicates at the rate of 0, 5, and 10 tons ha-1. After the harvesting of legumes, the biomass of each sesbania treatment plot was mixed in the field while the biomass of mungbean and cowpea were removed from each respective plot. To investigate the aged biochar effect, the wheat crop was grown on the same field layout and design (randomized complete block) of legumes. The data analysis highlighted that significantly maximum grain yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1); thousand-grain weight (g), and straw yield (kg ha-1) were obtained in the plots mixed with sesbania. Regarding the aged biochar effect, maximum yield was obtained in the plots with 10 tons ha-1treatment dose. Additionally, the interaction of aged biochar coupled with legumes was non-significant. In conclusion, this work could prove that aged biochar coupled with summer legumes enhanced the yield of subsequent wheat on a sustainable basis due to its long-term numerous benefits to the soil-plant system.