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. |