Application of Biochar and Poultry Manure for Enhanced Wheat Growth and Yield in Calcareous Soils of Peshawar, Pakistan
Abstract
Soil fertility decline and poor nutrient use efficiency are major constraints to wheat productivity in calcareous soils of Peshawar, Pakistan. This study evaluated the effects of biochar (BC) and poultry manure (PM) alone and in combination with mineral phosphorus on growth, yield and phosphorus use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A field experiment was conducted at the University Research Farm, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the winter season of 2023-24 using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Twelve treatment combinations were tested using four phosphorus levels (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg P ha⁻¹), biochar at 10 t ha⁻¹ and poultry manure at 10 t ha⁻¹. The experimental soil was alkaline, calcareous, non-saline and low in organic matter and available phosphorus. Results showed that phosphorus application with biochar significantly improved wheat growth, yield attributes, nutrient uptake and phosphorus use efficiency. The treatment receiving 120 kg P ha⁻¹ + 10 t biochar ha⁻¹ produced the highest plant height (98.4 cm), spike length (12.8 cm), grains per spike (52.4), thousand-grain weight (46.2 g), biological yield (12,845 kg ha⁻¹) and grain yield (4,872 kg ha⁻¹). The same treatment also recorded the highest total nitrogen uptake (142.3 kg ha⁻¹), total phosphorus uptake (38.7 kg ha⁻¹) and phosphorus use efficiency (32.25). Biochar consistently outperformed poultry manure in improving wheat productivity when combined with mineral phosphorus. The findings indicate that integration of mineral phosphorus with biochar improves nutrient availability and crop performance under calcareous soil conditions. Application of 120 kg P ha⁻¹ with 10 t biochar ha⁻¹ is therefore recommended for improving wheat productivity and phosphorus use efficiency in the Peshawar region.
Keywords: biochar; calcareous soil; phosphorus use efficiency; poultry manure; wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
