Effects of Biochar Application to Soils on Seedling Growth of Wheat

Biochar is a carbon-rich byproduct that arises from pyrolyzing organic compounds under high temperature and oxygen starved conditions. It has been shown that biochar improves the physical and chemical soil quality, enhances nutrient availability and reduces the acidity. In this work, we examined the effect of biochar on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different soil conditions. The study was carried out as pot experiments using infertile and fertile type of soils with or without biochar applications. Germination percentage, shoot length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight of wheat were measured at the end of the experiment. In both soil types, no significant difference in germination percentage was found between treatments. Shoot growth parameters were increased significantly after low and medium dose of biochar application in infertile soil. On the other hand, biochar had not positive or negative effect on these parameters in fertile soil.