A Study of the Fertility and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Rice Soil with Respect to the Application of Biochar and Selected Amendments

A study was carried out to assess the effect of biochar on the carbon dynamics of wetland rice soils and on the growth and grain yield of rice plants ( Oryza sativa L .). Pot experiments were conducted with amendments of chemical and organic origins in addition to wood-derived biochar. Maximum soil carbon storage was observed with biochar compared to organic amendments such as composts and chemical fertilizer. Major soil carbon sequestration parameters like soil organic carbon (SOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were found to be greater with biochar. Aggregate formation was also significant under biochar trials. Considerable reduction in greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, especially carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O), was observed with biochar. Applications of biochar considerably influenced the growth profile and grain yield of the rice plants compared to other amendments. Hence, these results suggest that biochar of appropriate applied proportion can influence wetland rice soil carbon dynamics and has the potential to combat global warming without compromising productivity. The role of biochar as a green viable carbon negation option is supported by the study since the results showed a positive response towards soil and vegetation carbon sequestration and yield optimization even without the addition of any nitrogen fertilisers. Permanent URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20002864