BIOCHAR AND ITS IMPACT ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND ON THE GROWTH OF OKRA PLANTS

Abstract

Applying biochar to the soil can mitigate problems that hinder agricultural production, such as water scarcity and low fertility soils. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of dry coconut husk biochar and sewage sludge combinations on soil chemical characteristics, growth, yield and water productivity of okra crop. The experiment was arranged in randomized blocks, with 6 treatments (CHB+BSS - coconut husk biochar + biochar of sewage sludge, CHB+RSS- coconut husk biochar + raw sewage sludge, BSS+RSS - biochar  of sewage sludge + raw sewage sludge, CHB - coconut husk biochar, BSS - biochar of sewage sludge,  WB - without biochar (control)). Plant height, number of fruits per plant, yield and water use productivity were evaluated. To evaluate the effect of biochar on soil, soil samples were taken to determine pH, CEC, P, K, Ca, Mg concentrations after incorporation of biochar into the soil. The BSS + RSS and RSS treatments provided better results on okra production and growth characteristics with a 421.15% and 419% productivity increase, respectively, compared to the control treatment. The BSS + RSS and BSS treatments provided better water productivity values ​​with values ​​of 1.45 and 1.44 tons produced for each cubic meter of water applied, respectively. All soil chemical characteristics analyzed were modified when the biochar was incorporated into the soil. The results provide valuable insight that okra growers can embrace the use of the combination BSS+RSS and BSS, providing better yields and lower water use in growing this plant.