Page 143 - AWSAR 2.0

level (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 g/kg) and incubated in natural environmental conditions in a randomised block design, each treatment had three replicates. Corn plants were grown in this biochar amended
OB material and the growth
parameters were studied and
the soil was then analyzed for
basic physico-chemical and
biological parameters. It was
observed that the addition of
biochar improved the organic
content of OB material, which
forms the basis of soil fertility by
releasing nutrients, promoting
biological and physio-chemical
properties and often act as a
buffer for toxic substances.
A significant effect on the pH,
electrical conductivity, cation
exchange capacity and organic
composition was found. The
water-holding capacity and bulk density also improved significantly by its application. Soil enzymatic activities improved as well indicating microbial growth and healthy soil. The corn plant grew well in the biochar amended OB
Ms. Dipita Ghosh || 119
material a significant increase in germination and seedling vigour index compared to the control. Thus, proving the hypothesis that biochar possess inherent properties suitable for
improvement of soil quality and can be applied as a biological means for land reclamation in coalmine degraded soil.
The other on-going work in our laboratory in this domain include developing relationship between mycorrhizal growth and biochar application in a OB dump, effect of biochar application on heavy metal and PAHs, and biochar and soil respiration. A current study on the incubation of biochar on a reclaim mine spoil clearly depicts its ability to convert a derelict piece of land into a biodiversity spot rich in micro
and macro fauna. Thus, our primary aim is to develop an all-round approach to reclaim the degraded overburdened material using minimal resources in an ecofriendly manner.
A number of studies have been conducted on how various biochar multiplies the crop productivity in agricultural areas and alters the physical, chemical and biological regimes of the soil. However, the application of biochar in an area degraded by a coal mine is still novel and requires the attention of researches round the globe.