Novel agrotechnological intervention for soil amendment through areca nut husk biochar in conjunction with vetiver grass

Soil quality management through effective utilization of agricultural residue is the cynosure of intense global research. Therefore, we have explored the pyrolytic conversion of a locally available agricultural residue, the areca nut husk (AH), into biochar (BC) as a sustainable option towards resid...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemosphere (Oxford) 2022-01, Vol.287, p.132443-132443, Article 132443
Main Authors: Gujre, Nihal, Mitra, Sudip, Agnihotri, Richa, Sharma, Mahaveer P., Gupta, Debaditya
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Areca nut husk
Biochar
Residue management
Soil quality
Vetiver
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Summary:Soil quality management through effective utilization of agricultural residue is the cynosure of intense global research. Therefore, we have explored the pyrolytic conversion of a locally available agricultural residue, the areca nut husk (AH), into biochar (BC) as a sustainable option towards residue management. The AH was carbonized at 250–400 °C, and residence times of 30–90 min. Subsequent detailed analysis revealed areca nut husk biochar (AHBC) formed at 250 °C with 60 min residence time, had the highest soil organic matter yield index (SOMYI), the lowest H/C and O/C ratio, and an average particle size of 1191.6 nm. Further characterization exposed the highly porous structure of prepared AHBC with oxygenated functional groups attached to its surface. The application of AHBC in conjunction with vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) was used as a novel agrotechnological approach to assess soil quality improvement. Various doses of AHBC (5 t ha−1, 10 t ha−1, and 15 t ha−1) were applied in the experimental soils, and the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the 15 t ha−1 dose was optimum for the growth of the vetiver. AHBC amendment in soil resulted in increase of plant height and relative water content. This could be attributed to the increase in organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and nutrients in the soil. Application of AHBC along with vetiver could be a simple, yet effective option, for sustainable agricultural residue and soil management. [Display omitted] •Areca nut husk is a potential agricultural residue for biochar preparation.•Areca nut husk biochar (AHBC) prepared at 250 °C is suitable for soil applications.•The application of AHBC improved the physico-chemical properties of soil.•AHBC enriched soil nutrients and favored soil enzymatic activities.•15 t ha−1 AHBC application proved to the best for soil quality and vetiver growth.
ISSN:0045-6535
1879-1298
DOI:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132443