Sustainable Nutrient Management through Organic Manure, Biochar, and Inorganic Fertilizers in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Biochar is produced through pyrolysis of waste plant materials. Application of Biochar to rice fields has yielded encouraging results regarding the enhancement of soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity. It helps in keeping nutrients in the soil and lowering nutrient leaching, which enhances nutrient availability for rice plants. Due to its porous structure, biochar promotes helpful microbial activity in the soil, which enhances nutrient cycling and overall soil health. The present study investigates the effects of organic manure, inorganic fertilizers and biochar on the yield attributes and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The primary aim was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of these soil amendments in improving rice production and their potential roles in sustainable agriculture. Organic manure, such as biochar and farmyard manure, was applied to enhance soil fertility, promoting beneficial soil microbial activity. Inorganic fertilizers, primarily nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), were used to supply essential nutrients directly, thus improving plant growth and development. Field trials were conducted at the agronomy research farm CSAUA&T, Kanpur, during kharif season 2023 and 2024, with the Rice crop subjected to different treatment combinations: Organic manure alone, Inorganic fertilizers alone, Biochar alone, and various integrated combinations of these amendments. The parameters assessed included plant height, number of tillers, dry matter accumulation, panicle length, number of grains panicle-1 and grain yield. The results showed that using both organic manure and inorganic fertilizers together significantly improved the growth parameters and yield attributes of rice, in comparison to using either treatment alone. Specifically, the synergistic effect of biochar with farmyard manure showed promising results in improving soil texture, increasing nutrient retention, and enhancing rice yield. The findings suggest that integrated soil management practices involving organic manure, inorganic fertilizers, and biochar could offer a sustainable alternative to conventional agricultural practices, fostering higher yields while mitigating environmental impacts. The improved performance under INM treatments validates the synergy of organic and inorganic inputs, making it a viable approach for achieving long-term productivity and ecological balance in rice-based cropping systems. Thus, adopting integrated strategies is essential for enhancing agricultural sustainability and resource-use efficiency.