Journal of Agronomy and Field Innovations

Background: Decreasing organic carbon in soil and biochemical performance limit ultimately sustainable production of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) which aroused interest in organic modifications that can help improve soil functions and reduce the consequences of climate change.
Objective: The study assessed the effect of various amounts of biochar application on soil enzyme activities, soil carbon preservation ability and soybean productivity.
Methods: The field trial used randomized complete block design with four treatments (0, 5, 10 or 15 tons per hectare of soybean stover biochar produced at 450 ± 25 ËšC) replicated thrice, each treatment receiving a recommended amount of fertilizer. Soil dehydrogenase, urease, phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities, soil organic carbon stock and soybean productivity indicators were measured and analysed using ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test at P < 0.05.
Results: The utilization of biochar has greatly enhanced all the enzymatic activities and carbon stock in soil compared with the unamended control, recording the biggest changes at 10 and 15 t ha⁻¹. The yield of grains has increased by up to 41.7% compared to the control along with the better nodulation, root length, and harvest index. The relationship between enzyme activity and carbon storage and yield of grains has also been found.
Conclusion: Biochar application improves soil biochemical health as well as carbon sequestration process to enhance soybean productivity, thus stimulating its application in climate-friendly and sustainable soybean production systems, while there is a need for its long-term multi-site verification.