Author : Bulfa, Arsenio D. Jr.

Summary : An incubation study and field experiment were conducted using corn cob and corn husk biochars. The incubation study was about corn cob biochar-amended soil treated with dried organic materials, organic and inorganic fertilizers to determine the carbon dioxide evolution of the soil and compare the evolution with corn cob biochar as soil amendment. After testing the efficacy of corn cob biochar in reducing the C02 evolution in the soil, the field experiment was carried out to test its effect on corn and peanut physiological and morphological responses. Results showed that biochar addition will reduce C02 evolution and increase OC in the soil. Corn biomass, ear production, root biomass and leaf chlorophyll concentration were increased by both corn cob and corn husk biochars mixed with organic and inorganic fertilizers. Chlorophyll concentration of peanut was increased by inorganic fertilizer and corn cob biochar mixtures.

Soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) were generally increased by corn cob and corn husk biochars application. Phosphorus uptake by both corn and peanut were significantly affected by organic and inorganic fertilizers. Corn and peanut roots were observed to produce more root hairs when attached to biochar surfaces in the soil.