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The Effect of Biochar and R. Leguminosarum on Poor Soil and E. Sativa Growth

AJAS · 2020 Plant Sciences (inferred)

Ridha Fatima · South Carolina Academy of Science

Overview

Biochar’s nutrient retention paired with rhizobacteria’s nitrogen-fixation may improve the quality of soils throughout the US. This study’s purpose was to test whether the combination of biochar and Rhizobium leguminosarum would lead to healthier soils and greater plant growth in sub-optimum soils. It was hypothesized that combined additions of biochar and Rhizobium leguminosarum in sub-optimum soils would lead to greater soil nitrates and phosphorus levels as well as higher Eruca sativa growth rates than separate or no introductions. The experiment was first split into four groups, each with fifteen trials: Control, Biochar, Rhizobacteria, and Combined. Biochar or Rhizobium leguminosarum was added to each applicable trial. Eruca sativa seeds were planted and stem lengths were measured every other day over 16 days. Soil nitrates and phosphorus were tested before and after experimentation. The ANOVA[F(3, 305)=9.92, p<0.001<a=0.05] results showed significant differences between treatments for Eruca sativa stem lengths. A Tukey test and boxplot revealed that Control and Biochar groups had longer stem lengths than Rhizobacteria or Combined, but there were no significant differences between Control versus Biochar or Rhizobacteria versus Combined. Survivorship curves showed higher survival rates in the Biochar group than Control group. Overall, the results showed that the Biochar trial group grew best, followed by Control, then Rhizobacteria and Combined. Soil nitrate levels were uniform among all groups, and phosphorus levels were highest in Biochar and Rhizobacteria. The results did not support the hypothesis, as the Combined trial group did not exhibit the highest growth rates or soil nutrients. However, the results partially indicate biochar’s remediation capabilities in poor soils.

Competition history

  • AJAS 2020 Category not listed

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Source: AAAS Annual Meeting (Confex) / American Junior Academy of Science

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