Characterisation of corncob biochar and phytotoxic effects of different biochar treatments on seed germination of cress (Lepidium sativum)

Publication Type

Poster

Authors

Intani, K; Islam, M.S.; Latif, S; Müller, J

Year of publication

2016

Published in

Book of abstracts

Page (from - to)

43

Conference name

24th EUBCE 2016

Conference location

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Conference date

6 - 9 June 2016

Keywords

Biochar, Corncob, cress, Germination, Phytotoxicity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic effects of different biochar treatments on seed germination of cress (Lepidium sativum). Corncob biochar was produced using a batch reactor and characterised using standard methods. Simple and low-cost germination tests were done in mini greenhouses. Cress seeds were germinated in four biochar treatments and a control. The biochar treatments included fresh biochar (FB), dried biochar (DB), biochar water extract (BWE), and biochar after water extraction (BAWE). The application rates of 10, 20 and 30 t/ha were investigated. In the control (CON), the seeds were germinated in sand mixed with de-ionized water. Significant phytotoxic effects of biochar were observed on cress in all of the investigated parameters, while acute toxic effects were identified in FB and BWE treatments. The total relative seed germination decreased with the increase of biochar application rates in all treatments. The observed order of negative effects of the biochar treatments on germination, shoot length, and shoot fresh weight of every biochar application rate was FB>BWE>DB>BAWE, while it was a reverse order for the dry matter content.