Effect of biochar derived from rice husk and chicken manure on lettuce growth and soil chemical properties

The application of biochar to soil for sustainable agriculture has been considered to have a positive impact on soil fertility and crop productivity.In this study, biochar derived from rice husk and chicken manure was applied to the soil at rates of 1% and 3% by weight, respectively, for lettuce cultivation experiments.The results indicated that both rice husk biochar and chicken manure biochar were effective in improving soil fertility through soil pH correction and increased nutrient content.The nitrogen content and pH of the biochar increased the available nitrogen and phosphate in the soil, creating a soil environment conducive to the growth enhancement of lettuce.In particular, after the application of 3% chicken manure biochar, the soil exhibited the highest levels of available nitrogen and phosphate at 87.42 mgkg -1 and 69.07 mgkg -1 , respectively.Plant fresh weight increased with rising biochar amount, with the 3% chicken manure biochar treatment (228.25 gplant -1 fresh weight [FW]) exhibiting superior fresh weight compared to 3% rice husk biochar treatment (120.88 g plant -1 FW).The nutrient content in lettuce, except for K 2 O, was higher in the chicken manure biochar treatment compared to the same dosage of rice husk biochar.Therefore, for enhancing lettuce productivity and soil fertility, chicken manure biochar appears to be more effective than rice husk biochar, and increasing the application rate up to 3% showed improvement effects without adverse impacts.However, excessive application of chicken manure biochar may lead to an increase in soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) beyond the optimal range, requiring further assessment of application rates.