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Straw-derived biochar optimizes water consumption, shoot and root characteristics to improve water productivity of maize under reduced nitrogen

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  • Guo, Ru
  • Qian, Rui
  • Du, Luning
  • Sun, Weili
  • Wang, Jinjin
  • Cai, Tie
  • Zhang, Peng
  • Jia, Zhikuan
  • Ren, Xiaolong
  • Chen, Xiaoli

Abstract

Optimizing water and nitrogen (N) utilization to enhance crop yields under resource constraints is crucial. Straw and its biochar, combined with N fertilizer, are commonly used to improve soil carbon storage and crop growth. However, the effects of straw and N fertilizer management on water consumption, root and shoot characteristics, N uptake, and maize productivity remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, a three-year (2019–2021) field experiment was conducted in Northwest China. We compared two straw incorporation methods [straw (SI) and straw-derived biochar (BI)] with straw removal (NI) at four N application rates [0 (N0), 225 (N225), 300 (N300), and 375 kg ha–1 (N375)]. Results indicated that compared with NI, both SI and BI significantly increased grain yield (GY), N uptake, and water productivity (WP) (SI < BI; P < 0.05). The maximum GYs were achieved with SIN300 and BIN225, respectively. Notably, compared with SIN300, BIN225 significantly enhanced GY by 10.8% and 5.8% and improved WP by 19.2% and 9.9% (P < 0.05). This improvement was mainly attributed to the increased water consumption after tasseling and crop transpiration (T) in evapotranspiration (ET). Furthermore, N application resulted in increased root distribution in shallow soil layers (0–0.3 m). Under BIN225, roots exhibited a longer, thinner and deeper profile, minimizing root redundancy and enhancing root efficiency in water and N absorption during the reproductive stage of maize. In contrast, SIN300 resulted in shorter, thicker, and shallower roots, leading to a reduced shoot-root ratio of 12.2% (P < 0.05). Based on the normalization and fitting curves, BI combined with reduced N (240 kg ha–1) improved WP by 24.5%, achieving 98.7% of the maximum GY for drip-irrigated maize (16.98 Mg kg–1). Overall, these findings provide a novel straw strategy for sustainable field management in arid irrigation agriculture and similar ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Guo, Ru & Qian, Rui & Du, Luning & Sun, Weili & Wang, Jinjin & Cai, Tie & Zhang, Peng & Jia, Zhikuan & Ren, Xiaolong & Chen, Xiaoli, 2024. "Straw-derived biochar optimizes water consumption, shoot and root characteristics to improve water productivity of maize under reduced nitrogen," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:294:y:2024:i:c:s037837742400057x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2024.108722
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    References listed on IDEAS

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