Effect of Coconut Shell Biochar on Physical, Chemical Properties and Available Major Nutrient Status of Acidic Soil

The effect of coconut shell biochar addition on the physical and chemical properties of acidic soil such as soil bulk density, maximum water holding capacity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available major nutrients were investigated in a field experiment with soybean. This study was conducted by application of coconut shell biochar in combination with recommended Lime. The coconut shell biochar was applied at three rates (5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1) and lime (calcium carbonate) was applied at two rates (100% and 50% recommendation) to acidic soil. Amendment type, application rate, and their interaction had significant effects (p < 0.05) on soil bulk density, maximum water holding capacity, pH, EC, and available major nutrients after the harvest of soybean Application of coconut shell biochar at 10 t ha-1 in combination with 50% recommended lime had shown a relatively higher improvement in soil physical and chemical properties after the harvest of soybean.