Influence of Paddy Straw Biochar in Combination with Organic Amendments on Growth Dynamics and Yield of Field Bean (Lablab purpureus L.)

Abstract

A pot culture experiment was conducted during 2022-2023 to determine the impact of different biochar doses combined with organic amendments on plant growth and yield. Biochar doses of 8, 10, and 12 t/ha were applied in combination with organic amendments such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Ghanajeevamruth (GA) and their various combinations. The study reveals that the application of 12 t ha-1 of biochar along with farmyard manure and vermicompost (T17), significantly enhanced plant height (89.63 cm), number of branches (22.50), number of leaves (97) number of pods (20.25), pod weight (27.41 g), biomass yield (154.88 g) and projected pod yield (61.42 q ha-1) relative to control and other treatments. In contrast, specific leaf area and specific leaf weight did not differ significantly among treatments. SPAD chlorophyll values increased markedly during early flowering and reproductive phase (reaching 37.44). These results demonstrate that integrating biochar with farmyard manure and vermicompost offers a sustainable strategy to boost field bean productivity.