Enhancement of Corn Seed Germination in Calcareous Soil: Combined Effect of Biochar and Calcium Carbonate

Abstract

Calcareous soil is reported to reduce seed germination performance due to its soil properties, like low moisture content, weak soil structure, and nutrient leaching. Biochar could enhance soil properties by modifying the physiochemical properties of the soil, which aids in accelerating seed germination and plant growth. Due to biochar's alkaline properties, it is rarely recommended for use on calcareous soil, which is naturally alkaline. Nevertheless, the water-holding capacity of biochar still has the potential to improve seed germination and thus could be suitable for working as a soil nourisher in calcareous soil. Till now, the effect of biochar on calcareous soil is lacking information. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of biochar and calcareous soil on corn seed germination performance. Calcium carbonate of different rates (0, 10, 25% w/w) was mixed in a mixed soil with an initial pH of 6.8 to form the calcareous soil. Then biochar of different rates (0, 5, 10% w/w) was applied to the calcareous soil. After a week, the corn seed was sown, and seed germination performance was evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). This study showed that the combination of calcareous soil at 0% and biochar at 10% gave the best seed germination, which supports the idea that biochar nourishes typical soil, as reported in many studies. However, this study also showed the potential of biochar in appropriate amounts to amend alkaline soil. The calcareous soil with the highest calcium carbonate rate (25%) has been shown to reduce seed germination significantly. However, the combined effects of calcium carbonate at 25% and biochar at 5% have significantly increased seed germination. However, the combined effect of calcareous soil at 25% and biochar at 10% portrayed the weakest seed germination. This suggests that 5% of BC is the appropriate amount to amend calcareous soil.