Role of Biochar to Improve the Soil Conditions (A Study on Trifolium Alexandrinum)

Soil properties can be significantly influenced by addition of biochar and is a subject matter to enhance plant productivity and soil quality. In pot experiment, we investigated the effect of different concentrations of biochar (2 %BC, 3 %BC, 5 %BC and 10 %BC) on heavy metal (Cr) content and studied various soil physico-chemical parameters. It was observed that soil pH arising from biochar application may lead to decreased mobilization of heavy metals. Growth characteristics of Trifolium alexandrinum also varied at regular intervals. The maximum plant height and plant biomass were shown at 5 % biochar and at 10 % biochar and control without biochar showed little change in plant growth rate. Organic carbon content was maximum at 10 % biochar application as compared to control. Hence, with the increase of biochar concentration in soil it is observed that organic carbon content also increases significantly. Different doses of chromium were also added in soil (Cr 20ppm, Cr 50ppm, and Cr 100ppm) to checkout biochar high sorption capability with the help of Trifolium alexandrinum. It is noticed that biochar adsorption capability increases with increase of biochar concentration in soil.