Field evaluation of bone biochar for improving maize yield, soil health, and carbon efficiency in arid soils.

BACKGROUND: the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bone-derived biochar, produced from slaughterhouse waste, as a multifunctional soil amendment within a climate-smart and circular agriculture framework. The central research question explores whether biochar can enhance maize (Zea mays) productivity, improve soil health, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in arid agroecosystems. A two-season field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil under drip irrigation to assess the impact of biochar applied at 0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha-1. The responses measured included agronomic traits (plant height, biomass, grain yield), soil biochemical properties (organic carbon, available phosphorus, microbial biomass carbon), GHG emissions (CO₂ and N₂O), and economic returns. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to integrate the agronomic, environmental, and economic outcomes.

RESULTS: biochar significantly improved plant growth, increased biomass by 28%, grain yield by 51%, and enhanced soil quality indicators. Notably, it reduced CO₂ emissions by 24% and N₂O by 15%. The 10 t ha-1 application rate was identified as the most effective in balancing yield, soil health, and emissions mitigation.

CONCLUSIONS: bone-derived biochar offers a sustainable, climate-resilient strategy for improving maize productivity and soil health while contributing to GHG reduction and supporting circular economy goals in arid farming systems.