Effect of biochar and mycorrhiza applications on maize (Zea mays L.) yield and nutrient element uptake

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of biochar dose applications and mycorrhiza inoculation on yield and quality factors of maize plant to determine the effects of carbon fixation on plant and increase soil organic Carbon pool. In addition, to determine the decomposition rate of biochar depending on time under field conditions and to determine the carbon dioxide flux in the field and soil respiration under laboratory incubation conditions. The experiment was established in Çukurova University, Research and Application Area according to split plots experimental design during 2020 and 2021. Four different biochar doses (Control 0%, 1%, 2%, 4%) were applied with (+M) and without (-M) mycorrhizae. Mixed mycorrhiza species were used in the experiment. In the experiment, 360 kg N ha-1 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 were used as mineral fertilizers. P2105 maize (Zea maize L.) variety was used in the experiment. At harvest, soil samples were taken at 0-15cm and 15-30 cm depths of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil and plant roots were taken. Plant parts were analyzed for C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe concentrations and total uptake. Plant root length, volume, diameter and area as well as soil organic carbon (OC) concentration and organic carbon content, mycorrhizal root infection and number of mycorrhizae spore were analyzed. Compared to non-inoculated plots, in 2020, mycorrhizae inoculated plot produced 480 kg ha-1 more yield an average increase of 4.1% and 1321 kg ha-1 more yield an average increase of 8.1% in 2021. Research results indicate that the application of biochar and mycorrhiza enhanced the content of macro and micro elements in plants, yield, and CO2 emissions from the soil to the atmosphere, as well as the content of TC, OC, and TN. Mycorrhiza, on the other hand, significantly raised yields and overall sequestered more carbon. Soil and plant data were positively impacted by the application of 20 tons of biochar ha-1 in non-mycorrhizae treatments and 10 tons in mycorrhizae treatments. Long-term recommendations for farmers may include mycorrhiza inoculation and 10 tons of biochar ha-1.