EFFECTS OF BIOCHAR & VERMICHAR AS A SOIL SUPPLEMENT TO IMPROVE MAIZE PLANT GROWTH

The rapid increase in the volume of waste is one aspect of the environmental problem, that hinders global development. This study explores the possibility of utilizing waste biomass to prepare biochar and vermichar which can be used as soil supplements in plant growth. Biochar is charcoal that is produced by pyrolysis of biomass, in the absence of oxygen and is used as a soil ameliorant for both carbon sequestration and for soil fertility. Here in this work, we explore the production of vermichar which is the synergy between Vermiculture (worm farming) and Biochar (porous charcoal soil improver). The physiological, morphological and, biological parameters of these soil supplements were analyzed. Earthworms used for the production of vermiculture are Eugenia eudrilus and Eisenia foetida. The plant used for the study is maize. According to our analysis, vermichar is a very good supplement for the soil which increases the N, P, K, C, and organic content of the soil, which is followed by biochar in order to grow a healthy plant. Using this soil supplement the fertility of the soil is protected and the yield is high. From the above work, it is clear that biochar, as well as vermichar, has a great role in plant growth and in increasing soil fertility.