EFFECTS OF TOMATO HARVEST RESIDUE DERIVED BIOCHARS OBTAINED FROM DIFFERENT PYROLYSIS TEMPERATURE AND DURATION ON PLANT GROWTH AND NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS OF CORN

This study is aimed to investigate the effects of different biochars obtained from tomato harvest residues (THR) on the growth, nutrient concentrations and nutrient uptakes of corn plant. For this purpose, biochars were produced using THR, using a pyrolyser at temperature of 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 degrees C with application duration of 40, 80, 120, and 240 minutes. THR had C and N content of 22.12 % and 2.00 %, respectively. Biochars obtained at five application temperatures and four application durations were applied with the rates of 10 and 40 t.ha(-1). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. After 2 months growth period, the plants were harvested above ground of the soil. Harvested plants were washed and dry weighted and mineral nutrient concentrations of the plants were determined. The results showed that low application rate (10 t.ha(-1)) of biochar obtained at 300-600 degrees C and at longer duration increased the plant growth. However, there is no systematic effect of different biochar applications on nutrient concentrations of corn plant generally.