نوع مقاله : مقاله پژوهشی
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Introduction
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a key oilseed crop, prized for its high-quality oil and protein content, making it vital to both agriculture and the economy. As global population growth drives up demand for vegetable oils, sesame production has become increasingly significant in Iran and worldwide. However, the heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers to enhance yields has caused environmental challenges, including soil degradation, reduced fertility, and water pollution. Biochar, a stable organic material produced through the thermal decomposition of plant biomass, offers a sustainable alternative by improving soil’s physical and chemical properties, enhancing water retention, and reducing nutrient loss. Combining biochar with chemical fertilizers can decrease dependency on chemical inputs while boosting crop performance, supporting sustainable farming practices. This study evaluated the effects of integrated biochar and chemical fertilizer application on sesame’s morphophysiological and agronomic traits, aiming to develop a practical strategy for improving its productivity.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted during the 2020-2021 cropping season as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a field located in Aliabad-e Katul, Golestan Province, Iran. The experiment evaluated five biochar levels (0, 2, 4, 8, and 10 by weight, denoted as B0, B2, B4, B8 and B10) and three chemical fertilizer levels (0, 50%, and 100% of crop requirement, denoted as F0, F50%, and F100%). Soil samples from a 0-30 cm depth were analyzed for physicochemical properties before land preparation, which involved plowing, disking, and leveling. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers were applied based on soil test results, with urea, triple superphosphate, and potassium sulfate as sources. The cultivar Oltan was planted manually on June 15, 2020, in 4×5 m plots. Irrigation occurred weekly, and weed, pest, and disease control were maintained. Harvesting took place on October 12, 2020, with traits such as plant height, number of lateral branches, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, harvest index, Oil percentage, Oil yield and chlorophyll content (a, b, and total) measured. Chlorophyll was quantified using spectrophotometry at 663, 646, and 470 nm wavelengths.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that all examined traits were significantly influenced by the main effects of biochar and chemical fertilizer. The interaction effect was significant only for the number of capsules per plant. The highest plant height (102.57 cm), number of lateral branches (4.03), number of capsules per plant (54.11), thousand seed weight (2.97 g), seed yield (1267.4 kg.ha-1), biological yield (5418.3 kg.ha-1), harvest index (22.03%), Oil yield (625.22 kg.ha-1) and chlorophyll a (1.62 mg.g-1 fresh weight) were obtained from the treatment with B8 biochar and F100% chemical fertilizer. The highest number of seeds per capsule (70.59) was recorded in the B10 biochar treatment. The highest levels of chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were observed in the B4 biochar treatment, with 1.15 and 2.75 mg.g-1 fresh weight, respectively. The control treatment recorded the highest oil percentage of 52.82%. Biochar improved soil water and nutrient retention and enhanced the uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen and magnesium, while chemical fertilizers provided direct access to nutrients and promoted growth. These results are consistent with previous research that emphasizes biochar’s role in increasing crop yield and quality. The synergy between biochar’s soil-improving effects (such as increased cation exchange capacity) and the nutrient supply from chemical fertilizers significantly enhanced sesame performance. Since the highest seed yield was obtained at the highest fertilizer level used, further research is recommended to determine the optimal fertilizer level.
Conclusion
The use of biochar and chemical fertilizers markedly enhanced sesame’s morphophysiological and agronomic responses. Biochar improved soil conditions and minimized nutrient leaching, while chemical fertilizers supplied essential nutrients, resulting in higher seed yields and better growth metrics. This approach demonstrates potential for reducing chemical fertilizer use and advancing sustainable agriculture. Future studies should explore optimal application rates and long-term impacts.
کلیدواژهها English
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