Biochar-Enriched Sheep Manure for Sustainable Maize Production: Increased Yield and Water Savings

Abstract

This study aimed to boost maize crop production by utilizing animal manure enriched with biochar derived from date palm fronds. Two field experiments were conducted, featuring two treatments: Treatment 1 (T1) used standard manure from female Naeemi sheep fed only a basal diet, while Treatment 2 (T2) involved manure from Naeemi sheep fed a biochar-supplemented diet. Maize was grown using manure from both treatments, applied at rates of 5.0, 7.5, and 10 tons/hectare, with two irrigation levels: 60% and 100% of the crop’s evapotranspiration (ETc). The results indicated that manure from T2 had significantly higher levels of phosphorus (15.6%), total organic carbon (16.4%), nitrogen (11.4%), and potassium (23.3%) compared to T1. Furthermore, applying 10 tons/hectare of T1 manure led to a 40% reduction in water usage and an 18.2% increase in fresh biomass compared to the control (60% ETc). In contrast, using 10 tons/hectare of T2 manure resulted in a 40% water saving and a significant 345.5% increase in fresh biomass compared to the control (60% ETc). In conclusion, applying T2 manure at rates of 5.0, 7.5, and 10 tons/hectare under deficit irrigation significantly (P<0.0001) enhanced fresh biomass production, with increases of 227.27%, 245.5%, and 345.5%, respectively, compared to T1 under similar irrigation conditions. The improved soil composition resulting from the incorporation of T2 manure could also support the growth of other crops, particularly in arid regions like Kuwait.