Effect of biochar on seed germination, early growth of Oryza sativa L. and soil nutrients

Biochar application to soil has been recognized worldwide for enhancing plant productivity, soil properties as well as long term carbon storage. But very few studies related to biochar have been undertaken in the tropical region. This study has been undertaken in the nursery of Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet, Bangladesh to assess the impact of various treatments of three different biochar on germination and early growth of paddy (Oryza sativa). The selected species used as feedstock for biochar production are Albizia saman (Raintree), Neolamarckia cadamba (Kadam), and Albizia richardiana (Chambul). Biochar was produced by using Kon-Tiki kiln. Two treatments viz. 10 t ha and 15 t ha for each biochar were applied along with Control. Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) was followed as experimental design. Data were analyzed by using Tukey HSD post hoc test and ANOVA. In the case of germination percentage biochar treatments did not show significant (P < 0.05) increase compared to control. The 15 t ha application rate of Raintree biochar showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in root length compared to control. For shoot dry weight 15 t ha application rate of Raintree and 10 t ha application rate of Chambul showed significant (P < 0.05) increase than control. While 10 t ha of Kadam biochar showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in RWC than control. Soil chemical test showed that Chambul biochar’s 15 t ha application rate shows strongly significant (P <0.001) increase of NPK than control.