Effects of pelleted sugarcane biochar applications on growth, yield and economics of rainfed corn (Zea mays L.) in the Mississippi Delta

Applying biochar as a soil remediation source can improve soil fertility and physico-chemical properties, there by impacting crop yields. Therefore, the objective of this field study was to assess rainfed corn (Zea mays L.) production benefits of sugarcane bagasse biochar at five application rates (0, 5, 10, 15, and 25 t ha- 1) in a Dundee silt loam soil in 2019-2021. The effects of biochar on rainfed corn growth, grain yield, and grain quality were examined. Biochar significantly improved grain yields in the second and third years of application. Grain yield increases varied between 5.4 % and 12.6 %, and 8 % and 16.0 % in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In the third year, grain yields were 10.64, 11.50, 11.97, 12.14, and 12.35 t ha � 1 at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 25 t ha � 1 biochar levels, respectively. Grain quality was impacted by biochar application for protein and oil content. This study demonstrated that successive biochar applications at 5 t ha � 1 and higher rates can enhance corn grain yield under rainfed conditions by improving the plant available water in the root zone, benefiting corn growers. These improved grain yields with biochar did not translate to increased net returns due to the disproportionate increase in production costs, mainly due to the costs associated with large quantities of biochar application. However, the potential benefits of longer-term continuous use of biochar in corn production merit further investigation as producers are concerned about the availability, distance between the field of application and source, and quantity required for a significant impact on farm returns.