Increasing biomass of winter wheat using sorghum biochars

Biochar is a black solid formed by pyrolysis of biomass such as crop residues. Biochar could be used for soil fertilization, carbon sequestration, and improvement of soil structure. Here, we tested the effect of sorghum biochars on winter wheat, with or without supplemental inorganic phosphorus, in a greenhouse. The application rate for sorghum residues and sorghum biochars based on a yield goal of 200 bushels ha(-1) was 13 Mg ha(-1). Inorganic phosphorus was added at the rate of 40 kg P ha(-1). Results show that addition of sorghum biochars increased the total biomass of winter wheat grown by about 31 % over the control plants. Addition of supplemental inorganic phosphorus did not increase the total biomass. Our findings suggest that the pyrolitic transformation of sorghum residues into sorghum biochars is a better strategy for both environmental and crop productivity improvement in the Coastal Plains region.