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Combined application of biochar and phosphorus influenced maize production and soil properties in the Yellow River Delta: a comparison between contrasting weather conditions

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoqi Tang

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Chunming Jiang

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Hongjie Li

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Jing Tian

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Dawei Li

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Xuan Zhang

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Xiuli Ge

    (College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Xia Liu

    (Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, P.R. China)

  • Wenjun Gao

    (Jundi Tree Planting Specialistic Cooperative of Wudi, Binzhou, P.R. China)

  • Guoli Liu

    (Agricultural Comprehensive Service Center of Xiaobotou Town, Wudi County, Binzhou, P.R. China)

  • Wenjuan Li

    (Wudi Yuanxing Engineering Construction Supervision Company Limited, Binzhou, P.R. China)

Abstract

The Yellow River Delta, an important area of reserved arable land resources in China, is faced with the problem of crop productivity being typically limited by low soil quality. Developing techniques that raised crop yield without environmental damage was critically needed. To date, the knowledge about the joint impacts of biochar (C) and phosphorus (P) addition on soil properties and maize production under different weather conditions in this area is seriously lacking. Consequently, a full factorial field experiment including three biochar intensities (0 (C0), 5 000 (C1), and 10 000 (C2) kg/ha), three phosphorus fertilisation levels (0 (P0), 60 (P1), and 120 (P2) kg P/ha), and their combinations was conducted in Binzhou, Shandong province of China from 2021 to 2022. Compared to 2022, the maize yield was dramatically reduced in 2021 (with a 35% mean decrease) due to excessive rainfall in the maize reproductive growth stage (P < 0.01). C addition caused greater proportions and contributions of dry matter and nutrient remobilisation from pre-anthesis vegetation organs to grain. Subsequently, maize yield was much more promoted in 2021 (23%) than in 2022 (5%) by adding C, in which the discrepancies between C1 and C2 were relatively small and insignificant. On the other hand, these corresponding effects of P and C × P were relatively modest. From the soil perspective, soil physical (hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and bulk density) and chemical properties (soil organic carbon, total N, and soil available N) were significantly improved by C addition (P < 0.01). More importantly, we detected negative interactions of C × P on soil available P and phosphorus activation coefficient (P < 0.01), as soil available P was lowered with more input of C and P together (particularly under P2 series). The two-year outcomes suggested that C addition could enhance maize growth and ensure crop yield stability. Still, the combined incorporation of this kind of C and P (especially for C2P2) was not recommended in the saline-alkali land. The present study delivered useful insight into the rational utilisation of C and P fertilisers in the Yellow River Delta.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoqi Tang & Chunming Jiang & Hongjie Li & Jing Tian & Dawei Li & Xuan Zhang & Xiuli Ge & Xia Liu & Wenjun Gao & Guoli Liu & Wenjuan Li, 2025. "Combined application of biochar and phosphorus influenced maize production and soil properties in the Yellow River Delta: a comparison between contrasting weather conditions," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 71(8), pages 581-594.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:8:id:268-2025-pse
    DOI: 10.17221/268/2025-PSE
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jinze Pei & Hongyu Yang & Menghan Huang & Xiaojun Yan & Xinran Zeng & Lijin Guo & Liangquan Wu, 2025. "Multi-Objective Nitrogen Optimization in Tea Cultivation: A Pathway to Achieve Sustainability in Cash Crop Systems," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-16, September.

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