IJAER

International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research™

ISSN 2455-6939

Title:
EFFECT OF RICE HUSK BIOCHAR AND CHICKEN MANURE AS A SOIL AMENDMENT ON YIELD, HEAVY METALS AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF Phyllanthus niruri

Authors:
Zahidah Ab Razak, Rosenani Abu Bakar, Siti Hajar Ahmad and Radziah Othman

Abstract:
Aim: To determine the effects of rice husk biochar and chicken manure on yield, heavy metals concentration and nutrient uptake of Phyllanthus niruri.
Methods: Rice husk biochar (0, 5, 10 t/ha) and chicken manure (0, 2.5, 5 t/ha) were applied as combination treatment. Plants were harvested at 45 days after transplanting for analysis of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, As) and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) determination while soil was collected for soil chemical analysis (pH, Total C, Total N, available P, cation exchange capacity and exchangeable bases).
Results: Shoot dry weight biomass was significantly affected by rice husk biochar (BC) and chicken manure (CM) rates. Cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) concentrations were not significantly affected by BC x CM, while mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) were not detected in the plant samples. Plant nutrients uptake (N, P, K) showed a linear response for all BC rates as the rates of CM increases. Application of BC and CM has significant effects on soil chemical properties.
Conclusion: Application of soil amendment, rice husk biochar and chicken manure influenced the yield, heavy metals concentration and nutrients uptake of Phyllanthus niruri. The selected rates for the BC was 10 t/ha with combination 2.5 t/ha CM due to optimum yield and low heavy metals concentration.

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