Abstract:
Urea is the most used nitrogen fertilizer in the world. Nitrogen losses due to
volatilization and leaching are caused by overapplication. One of the best ways to
maximize plant nitrogen uptake and reduce losses is to apply urea along with biochar.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rice husk biochar (RHB),
together with urea, on maize development, the chlorophyll content index (CCI), plant
total nitrogen (N), soil N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-
N). Two soil textures (sandy loam and silty clay loam) and two biochar concentrations
(1% and 2% w/w) were used in a pot experiment along with 120 kg N/ha of urea. To
compare the experiment's outcomes, a control group (one without biochar or urea)
was kept. The characterization of biochar verified the existence of aromatic functional
groups, high ash content, high Si concentration, thermal stability, macropores, and
amorphous nature. In silty clay loam soil, therefore, combined application of biochar
and urea resulted in maximum plant growth and soil nutrient concentrations, including
root dry weight, leaf length, leaf fresh weight, leaf CCI, soil K, P, and NO3-N. Biochar
has a variety of functional groups and gaps that enhance soil health and nutrient
availability, which in turn promotes maize development. Thus, the study concludes
that applying urea and biochar together promotes soil growth and nutrient availability.
