Organic Radish Yield, Economics and Soil Properties as Affected by Biochar in Subtropical Inceptisol

Rapid decomposition of organic manure and utilization of rice husk waste are the two major issues in improving soil and environment quality. However, information regarding biochar effects on aggregate associated carbon, water retention, and bulk density are limited in high water demanding organically grown vegetable crop. In this experiment we have studied effect of rice husk biochar and compost (FYM, vermicompost) alone and in combination in two factorial randomized block design with three replicates on soil properties, economics and yield of radish crop in sandy clay loam soil. Increased soil moisture, infiltration rate and mean weight diameter, aggregate associated carbon and reduced bulk density and penetration resistance were recorded in biochar and compost amended plots relative to control. 1.14, 2.54 times higher WUE and 1.13, 2.53 times higher root yield were recorded in treatments receiving biochar and manure (FYM+VC) as compared to without biochar and manure (OM0), respectively. While sole application of biochar did not have any significant effect on soil properties and growth performance of radish. Our results suggest that biochar addition with manure is effective tool to improve soil structure, WUE, economics and yield of radish.