Biochar rate effects on the corn germination, development, and production in Acambaro, Guanajuato, México

The objective of this study is to harness biochar's potential to enhance corn germination, yield, and fruit quality, while concurrently reducing fertilizer dependency in the region of Acámbaro, Guanajuato, México. To achieve this objective, we conducted an on-field experiment in Acámbaro, which experiences a sub-humid climate with an annual precipitation range of 750-800 mm, Vertisols pellic  characterized by clay texture and a bulk density of 1.2 g cm3. Our experimental setup comprised of eleven treatments and five repetitions including control group with no biochar or fertilizer application, the fertilizer rate commonly used by local farmers, the fertilizer rate recommended by soil fertility analysis, biochar application at rates of 6 and 3 Mg ha-1 alongside 100%, 75%, and 50% of the respective recommended fertilizer rate, and standalone biochar application at rates of 3 and 6 Mg ha-1. In the soil layer of 0-20 cm, we incorporated biochar derived from coconut husk, which had undergone pyrolysis at 500°C and possessed a particle size of 0.58 mm. Our assessment focused on evaluating the effects of these treatments on seed germination, corn growth parameters (plant height and stem diameter), yield components (number of cobs per plant, cob diameter and length), and corn health regarding ear rot. Preliminary findings reveal that the control group exhibited the lowest germination rates, while the treatment involving 6 Mg ha-1 of biochar in combination with 75% and 50% of the recommended fertilizer dose and 3 Mg ha-1 of biochar plus 100% of the recommended fertilizer dose produced the highest germination rates. Similar results were observed for treatments involving 3 and 6 Mg ha-1 of biochar without fertilizer and the fertilizer rate commonly used by local farmers. Statistically, there were no significant differences between these treatments. In conclusion, our study suggests that biochar, specifically at rates of 3 or 6 Mg ha-1 derived from coconut shell pyrolyzed at 500°C with a particle size of 0.58 mm, holds promise for improving corn seedling development. The results of corn production and fruit sanity visually there is difference between the treatments, however those data will be collected and included for the presentation. 

Keywords: Black earthPlant developmentplant productioncorn seedlingcoconut husk Biochar