Effect of Biochar Produced from Different Feedstocks on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Abstract

Background: Pea is an important legume crop, and biochar is a sustainable soil amendment that may improve soil fertility, nutrient availability and crop productivity. Feedstock type can influence crop responses to biochar application. Aim: The present investigation was conducted to study the influence of biochar produced from different feedstocks on the growth, yield and quality of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, during the rabi season of 2025-26. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomised block design with 13 treatments comprising 100% RDF alone and 100% RDF combined with coconut husk, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse or tree wood biochar at 2, 4 and 6 t/ha. Treatments were replicated three times, and observations were analysed using OPSTAT. Results: Significant differences were observed among the treatments. Treatment T4 [100% RDF + CHB (6 t/ha)] recorded the highest plant height (53.46 cm), branches per plant (10.4), fresh plant weight (58.62 g), dry plant weight (9.20 g), chlorophyll content (29.46 mg/g), pods per plant (15.24), pod length (9.80 cm), pod yield per plant (129.42 g), pod yield per plot (9.317 kg), total sugar (18.90%) and B ratio (3.16). Treatment T7 [100% RDF + RHB (6 t/ha)] recorded the highest fresh and dry nodule weights and TSS. Conclusion: The application of 100% RDF + CHB (6 t/ha) may be considered for improving pea yield and selected quality traits under the conditions of the present study.