Participatory evaluation of biochar‐based fertilizer application: Effects on soil properties, yield, and yield components of bread wheat in acidic Nitisols

Abstract

Abstract A participatory field experiment was conducted during the 2024 main cropping season in collaboration with local farmers who jointly managed and evaluated the trials. The experiment aims to evaluate the effects of biochar‐based fertilizer (BBF) on soil properties and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity grown on acidic Nitisols. Three fertilizer treatments (sole BBF, BBF plus 50% recommended nitrogen (N) rate (46 kg N ha −1 ), and 100% recommended N rate (92 kg N ha −1 ) were arranged in a randomized complete block across 18 farmers’ fields, each representing a replication site. Based on the initial soil pH results, the experimental fields were classified into three acidity levels (strong, moderate, and slight). Postharvest analysis results revealed that BBF combined with 50% recommended N fertilizer improved soil pH, organic carbon, and total nitrogen contents, compared to 100% recommended N fertilizer. Furthermore, the combined application of BBF with 50% recommended N fertilizer consistently yielded the highest wheat grain production across all acidity levels. On average, the combined treatment surpassed 100% recommended N fertilizer by 49%, 25.9%, and 17.5% in strong, moderate, and slightly acidic conditions, respectively. The effects of BBF application, either alone or in combination with 50% recommended N fertilizer, on soil properties, wheat yield, and yield components were more pronounced in strongly acidic soil, followed by moderate and slightly acidic conditions. Overall, integrating BBF with 50% recommended N fertilizer improved soil fertility and wheat productivity, suggesting a sustainable soil management option for acidic soils; however, further multi‐season validation is recommended to confirm these findings.