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Chapter

Amelioration of Drought
Tolerance in Maize Using Rice
Husk Biochar
Md. Abdul Mannan and Mariam Akter Shashi

Abstract

This chapter discussed on mitigating effects of rice husk biochar to the drought
effect on maize (“BARI Hybrid Bhutta 9”). Four doses of rice husk biochar at 0, 5,
10, and 20 t/ha were applied in soil before sowing of seed. Drought treatments were
maintained at 60% of field capacity and 40% of field capacity by watering every
alternate day, and 80% of field capacity (control) was also maintained as well-
watered treatment. Plant growth and physiological parameters were studied at 6th
leaf, 10th leaf, 14th leaf, tasseling stage, cob initiation stage, and maturity stage, and
yield contributing parameters were studied after harvest. Soil physical and chemical
properties were studied before sowing and after harvest of crop. Drought stress
reduced plant morphological growth and affected physiology and yield of maize.
Mitigation of drought stress in maize was well associated with the reduction of
proline content, maintenance of water-related traits, exudation rate and enhanced
chlorophyll content and SPAD value, as well as dry matter production. Rice husk
biochar improved the growth and yield performance of maize under drought con-
dition. Biochar application at 20 t/ha was the best treatment to improving drought
tolerance in maize.

Keywords: amelioration, drought, tolerance, maize, biochar

1. Introduction

The world population is increasing and is projected to rise by more than 1 billion
by 2030 and over 2.4 billion by 2050 [1]. Therefore, to feed the increasing popula-
tion, agricultural food production must be increased by 70% by 2050 [2]. In the
event of growing concerns of uncertainties in climatic conditions, the abiotic
stresses have become the major threat to agriculture production worldwide.
Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses which affect crop growth and
yield. In Bangladesh drought is a major threat to agricultural production. As maize is
usually a winter condition and due to low rainfall, the growth of maize and yield of
maize are severely affected by drought stress [3]. Under drought stress, plant
photosynthesis can significantly decrease, consequently reducing the amount and
energy of metabolites [4] required for the proper development of both the above-
and belowground biomass [5]. In severe water shortage conditions, the roots will
shrink and in the leaves induced deposition. In drought conditions, reduced water
potential and increased cell content of ABA regulate the metabolism of cells.

1
Maize - Production and Use

Increase in substances such as proline can be one of the major molecular responses
to drought stress [6]. Drought stress-induced free radicals cause lipid peroxidation
and membrane deterioration in plants [7].
Maize is the third most important cereal crops in Bangladesh, after rice and
wheat. It can be cultivated year round. The crop is high yielding and rich in nutrient
and has diversified uses. The demand of maize in Bangladesh is primarily from the
commercial feed processing industry. This industry is the driving force of maize
sector, using 80% of its aggregate maize production (excluding imports), and
statistically, the poultry sector (a significant representative of feed industry) is
growing at an average rate of 23% per year [8].Therefore, production of maize
needs to be increased. However maize production is severely affected by drought
stress. Water absorption, imbibition, and metabolic enzymatic activation are hin-
dered under limited water availability which reduces the maize grain germination.
Root and shoot elongations are parameters of seedling growth, and these are
subjected to reduction by drought stress. At seedling stage in maize, reduction in
shoot elongation is more than root elongation under drought stress [9]. Application
of biochar is such technology which can mitigate adverse effects of drought stress
on maize.
Biochar is charcoal formed from the thermal decomposition of biomass in a low-
or zero-oxygen environment and at high temperatures (<700°C), and biochar
production and application in soils has a very high potential for the expansion of
sustainable agricultural systems and also for global climate change mitigation [10].
Experimental evidence so far shows that incorporation of biochar to soil enhanced
soil water-holding capacity, improved soil water permeability, and improved satu-
rated hydraulic conductivity (SHC) [11], modification in soil bulk density [12],
and modified aggregate stability [13]. Biochar has the potential to increase the
availability of plant nutrient [14]. Furthermore, research has found that biochar
improves crop productivity and mitigates drought, salinity, acidity, and toxic metal
stresses that are commonly associated with plant stress [15]. Biochar application
increases growth and biomass of drought-stressed plants as well as increased
photosynthesis [16].
Therefore, the objectives of this manuscript are to know the effects of rice husk
biochar to mitigate drought effects on the growth, physiology, and yield of maize at
drought conditions.

2. Mitigating effects of biochar on drought stress in maize

2.1 Effect of rice husk biochar on plant height of maize at vegetative stages
under drought stress

Plant height differences of maize at vegetative stages indicated that plant height
varied due to different doses of biochar under drought conditions (Table 1).
At the sixth leaf stage, under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field
capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest plant heights of maize were 44.8, 43.8,
and 42.2 cm, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest plant
heights of maize were 39.4, 39.1, and 38.7 cm, respectively, when no biochar was
applied. At the 10th leaf stage, under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field
capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest plant heights of maize were 95.4, 93.0,
and1.2 cm, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest plant
heights of maize were 90.4, 89.5, and 80.2 cm, respectively, when no biochar was
applied. At the 14th leaf stage, under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field
capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest plant heights of maize were 169.3,

2
Amelioration of Drought Tolerance in Maize Using Rice Husk Biochar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88824

Biochar doses 6th leaf stage (cm) 10th leaf stage (cm) 14th leaf stage (cm)
(t/ha)
Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of
FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 39.4de 39.1e 38.7f 90.4b 89.5b 80.2b 150.60d 139.0f 134.3f

5 42.2a–e 40.9b-e 40.2 c–e 91.2ab 90.4b 90.3b 156.6c 145.3e 136.3f

10 42.8a–c 41.9a–e 41.2b–e 93.9ab 91.4ab 90.7b 164.0b 151.3d 138.3f

20 44.8a 43.8ab 42.0a–e 95.4a 93.0ab 91.2ab 169.3a 154.3cd 145.0e

CV (%) 4.2 3.1 2.0

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 1.
Effect of rice husk biochar on plant height of maize at vegetative stages under drought conditions.

154.3, and 145.0 cm, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest
plant heights of maize were 150.6, 139.0, and 134.3 cm, respectively, when no
biochar was applied. So it is clear that plant height is affected by drought conditions
and application of rice husk biochar mitigated the effect of drought condition by
increasing plant height. Similar result was reported in maize by [17]. Biochar pro-
moted plant height of maize under drought conditions [18]. By affecting cell tur-
gidity, drought impaired plant height [19]. Application of biochar can increase soil
water-holding capacity which increased tissue water status and ultimately increased
plant height [20].

2.2 Effect of rice husk biochar on plant height of maize at reproductive stages
under drought stress

Plant height differences of maize at reproductive stages indicated that plant

height varied due to different doses of biochar under drought conditions (Table 2).
At tasseling stage, under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity,
and 40% of field capacity, highest plant heights of maize were 190.0, 184.3, and
165.6 cm, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest plant
heights of maize were 164.0, 161.6, and 136.6 cm, respectively, when no biochar
was applied. At cob initiation stage, under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of
field capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest plant heights of maize were 195.6,
190.3, and 169.0 cm, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest
plant heights of maize were 174.3, 170.0, and 141.3 cm, respectively, when no
biochar was applied. At maturity stage, under control condition (80% of FC), 60%

Biochar Tasseling stage (cm) Cob initiation stage (cm) Maturity stage (cm)
doses
Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of
(t/ha)
FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 164.0cd 161.6 d 136.6 f 174.3cd 170.0d 141.3 f 175.3c 173.0c 154.0 e

5 172.6bc 172.0 bc 139.3 f 175.6cd 174.6cd 145.3 f 180.6bc 178.3bc 156.6de

10 174.3b 174.0 b 151.3 e 186.6b 182.6bc 157.6 e 186.6b 185.6b 163.0 d

20 190.0a 184.3 a 165.6bcd 195.6a 190.3ab 169.0 d 202.3a 195.6a 173.3 c

CV (%) 3.5 2.9 2.9

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 2.
Effect of rice husk biochar on plant height in maize at reproductive stages under drought conditions.

3
Maize - Production and Use

of field capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest plant heights of maize were
202.3, 195.6, and 173.3 cm, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and
lowest plant heights of maize were 175.3, 173.0, and 154.0 cm, respectively, when
no biochar was applied. Drought conditions affected plant height, and biochar
application increased plant height under drought conditions. Similar result was
reported in maize by [21]. Addition of biochar improved plant height [22]. In rice,
drought stress during the vegetative stage greatly reduced the plant height; [23] and
[24] found that biochar increased the plant height of maize.

2.3 Effect of rice husk biochar on days to flowering of maize under drought
stress

Under drought conditions plant growth as well as days to flowering of maize was
affected. Days to flowering of maize varied appreciably with different doses of
biochar under drought conditions (Figure 1).
Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field
capacity, lowest days to flowering of maize were 52, 57, and 61 days, respectively,
when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and highest days to flowering of maize were
60, 62, and 63 days, respectively, when no biochar was applied. Drought stress
affected plant physiological process and biochar helps to maintain physiological
activities thereby flowering of plants, improved plant growth and influenced days
to flowering. [25] observed that the mung bean plants grown in soil amended with
8.5% and 15.75% wood biochar started flowering, pod filling, and maturing 6 to
7 days earlier than those grown in unamended soil.

2.4 Effect of rice husk biochar on days to maturity of maize under drought
stress imposition

Plants try to avoid drought conditions by completing their life cycle within the
short times. Biochar helped to reduce the effects of drought stress on crops. Days to

Figure 1.
Effect of rice husk biochar on days to flowering of maize under drought conditions. Bar indicates LSD at 5%
level of significance.

4
Amelioration of Drought Tolerance in Maize Using Rice Husk Biochar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88824

maturity of maize plant were varied significantly at different doses of biochar under
drought conditions (Figure 2).
Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field
capacity, highest days to maturity of maize were 136, 135, and 133 days, respectively,
when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest days to flowering of maize were 131,
130, and 128 days, respectively, when no biochar was applied. Application of biochar
increased the water-holding capacity of silty sand under maize cultivation in pots;
[26] and [27] reported that biochar helped in maintaining normal physiological func-
tions including maturity of wheat under saline conditions. [28] observed that biochar
application increased tomato growth and life cycle under saline conditions.

2.5 Effect of rice husk biochar on relative water content (RWC), water uptake
capacity (WUC), and water saturation deficit (WSD) in maize under
drought stress

Relative water content of maize plant was reduced significantly at drought stress
conditions because of low water content of soil. Application of rice husk biochar at
different doses helped to increase water-holding capacity of soil under drought
conditions and thereby increased relative water content of maize plant (Table 3).
Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field
capacity, highest RWC of maize were 83.37, 79.86, and 78.32%, respectively, when
biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest RWC of maize were 66.93, 63.75, and
62.25%, respectively, when no biochar was applied.
Water saturation deficit of maize plant was increased significantly at drought
stress conditions, and it is varied with different doses of biochar under drought
conditions (Table 3).Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity,
and 40% of field capacity, lowest WSD of maize were 16.6, 20.1, and 21.1%,
respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and highest WSD of maize were
33.0, 36.2, and 37.7%, respectively, when no biochar was applied.
Water uptake capacity of maize plant was increased significantly under drought
stress because soil contained low moisture to be uptaken by plant. WUC depended

Figure 2.
Effect of rice husk biochar on days to maturity of maize under drought conditions. Bar indicates LSD at 5% level
of significance.

5
Maize - Production and Use

Biochar doses Relative water content Water saturation deficit Water uptake capacity
(t/ha) (%) (%)

Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of

FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 66.9bc 63.7bc 62.2c 33.1a–c 36.2ab 37.7 a 1.9ab 1.9a 2.0a

5 71.2bc 70.2a–c 66.4bc 28.8a–c 29.7a–c 33.5a–c 1.8a–d 1.8a–c 1.9a

10 76.8bc 75.7a–c 72.8a–c 23.1a–c 24.3a–c 27.1a–c 1.7a–d 1.7a–d 1.8a–d

0 83.3a 79.8ab 78.3bc 16.6c 20.1bc 21.1a–c 1.5d 1.5cd 1.6b–d

CV (%) 14.1 36.8 10.7

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 3.
Effect of rice husk biochar on RWC, WSD, and WUC of maize under drought conditions.

on water-holding capacity of soil, and it was varied with different doses of biochar
under drought condition (Table 3). Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of
field capacity, and 40% of field capacity, lowest WUC of maize were 1.5, 1.5, and
1.6, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and highest WUC of maize
were 1.9, 1.9, and 2.0, respectively, when no biochar was applied. [29] reported
biochar increased water-holding capacity. [30] found that biochar increased RWC
and water use efficiency of drought-stressed tomato plants. [31] also reported that
biochar increased tissue water status of maize in sandy soil.

2.6 Effect of rice husk biochar on exudation rate of maize under drought stress

Exudation rate of maize plant was reduced significantly at drought conditions.

Exudation rate depends on available water in soil to be uptaken by the plant.
Exudation rate of maize varied due to different doses of biochar under drought
conditions (Figure 3). Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity,
and 40% of field capacity, highest exudation rates of maize were 2.3, 1.5, and

Figure 3.
Effect of rice husk biochar on exudation rate of maize under drought conditions. Bar indicates LSD at 5% level
of significance.

6
Amelioration of Drought Tolerance in Maize Using Rice Husk Biochar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88824

1.5 g/hr., respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest exudation
rates of maize were 1.1, 1.0, and 0.7 g/hr., respectively, when no biochar was
applied. Similar result was observed by [32]. [33] found biochar application
increased water retention capacity of soil. [34] reported application of biochar
increased water-holding capacity of field-grown wheat and exudation rate.

2.7 Effect of rice husk biochar on chlorophyll contents of maize under drought
stress

Chlorophyll content of maize leaf was reduced significantly at drought stress

conditions. Chlorophyll a content varied significantly with different doses of
biochar under drought conditions (Table 4).
Under control condition highest chlorophyll a (1.4 mg/g) was found when
biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (1.2 mg/g) when no biochar was
applied. Under 60% of field capacity, highest chlorophyll a (1.4 mg/g) was found
when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (1.1 mg/g) when no biochar
was applied. Under 40% of field capacity, highest chlorophyll a was observed when
plant was treated with biochar at 20 t/ha (1.3 mg/g), and it was lowest (1.1 mg/g)
when no biochar was applied. Chlorophyll b increased with the application of
biochar under drought stress conditions, although it was insignificant (Table 4).
Under control condition highest chlorophyll b (1.1 mg/g) was found when biochar
was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (0.9 mg/g) when no biochar was applied.
Under 60% of field capacity, highest total chlorophyll b (1.0 mg/g) was found when
biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (0.9 mg/g) when no biochar was
applied. Under 40% of field capacity, highest chlorophyll b was observed when
plant was treated with biochar at 20 t/ha (1.0 mg/g), and it was lowest (0.9 mg/g)
when no biochar was applied. Under control condition highest total chlorophyll
(2.0 mg/g) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest
(1.5 mg/g) when no biochar was applied. Under 60% of field capacity, highest total
chlorophyll (1.7 mg/g) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was
lowest (1.4 mg/g) when no biochar was applied. Under 40% of field capacity,
highest total chlorophyll was observed when plant was treated with biochar at 20 t/
ha (1.6 mg/g), and it was lowest (1.3 mg/g) when no biochar was applied. [39]
marked reduction in chlorophylls in wheat cultivars subjected to water stress. [35]
reported that biochar increased chlorophyll content in milk thistle under drought
conditions.

Biochar doses Chlorophyll a (mg/g fresh Chlorophyll b (mg/g fresh Total chlorophyll (mg/g
(t/ha) weight) weight) fresh weight)

Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40%

FC FC FC FC FC of
FC

0 1.2c–e 1.1de 1.1e 0.9a 0.9a 0.9a 1.5ab 1.4ab 1.3b

5 1.2c 1.2de 1.2c–e 1.0a 0.9a 0.9a 1.5ab 1.5ab 1.4ab

10 1.2c 1.2cd 1.2c–e 1.0a 1.0a 0.9a 1.9ab 1.5ab 1.5ab

20 1.4a 1.4ab 1.3bc 1.1a 1.0a 1.0a 2.0a 1.7ab 1.6ab

CV (%) 6.1 3.3 2.3

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 4.
Effect of rice husk biochar on chlorophyll content in maize under drought conditions.

7
Maize - Production and Use

2.8 Effect of rice husk biochar on SPAD value of maize at vegetative stages
under drought stress

At vegetative stage SPAD value of maize plant was reduced significantly at

drought stress conditions. SPAD value varied with different doses of biochar under
drought conditions (Table 5).
At the 6th leaf stage of maize after under control condition, highest SPAD value
(30.7) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t ha 1, and it was lowest (25.3)
when no biochar was applied. Under 60% of field capacity, highest SPAD value
(30.5) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (23.7)
when no biochar was applied. Under 40% of field capacity, highest SPAD value
(29.5) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (20.4)
when no biochar was applied. At the 10th leaf stage of maize after under control
condition, highest SPAD value (33.3) was found when biochar was applied at
20 t/ha, and it was lowest (29.3) when no biochar was applied. Under 60% of field
capacity, highest SPAD value (30.2) was found when biochar was applied at
20 t/ha, and it was lowest (29.3) when no biochar was applied. Under 40% of field
capacity, highest SPAD value (29.8) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha
and at 5 t/ha (29.4), and it was lowest (29.0) when no biochar was applied. At the
14th leaf stage of maize after under control condition, highest SPAD value (35.3)
was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (29.5) when no
biochar was applied. Under 60% of field capacity, highest SPAD value (32.0) was
found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (27.7) when no
biochar was applied. Under 40% of field capacity, highest SPAD value (31.8) was
found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (27.2) when no
biochar was applied. It indicates that the longer the exposure to drought stress, the
higher the decreases of the SPAD value. The decrease of SPAD reading under
drought conditions is reported by [36]. [37] showed that biochar may alleviate
water stress in plants and increased SPAD value.

2.9 Effect of rice husk biochar on SPAD value of maize at reproductive stages
under drought stress

SPAD value of maize plant was reduced significantly at drought conditions, and
reduction was higher at 40% field capacity than 60% of field capacity at tasseling
stage and cob initiation stage (Table 6).

Biochar doses 6th leaf stage 10th leaf stage 14th leaf stage
(t/ha)
Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of
FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 25.3c–e 23.7e 20.4f 30.4cd 29.3ef 29.0f 29.5de 27.7e 27.2e

5 27.5bc 25.2de 24.4de 30.7c 29.9de 29.4ef 33.0a–c 29.9b–e 28.9de

10 29.5ab 26.4cd 26.2cd 32.0b 30.0cd 29.7d–f 33.3ab 31.1bd 29.7c–e

20 30.7a 30.5a 29.5ab 33.3a 30.2cd 29.8d–f 35.3a 32.0a– 31.8b–

d d

CV (%) 5.0 1.6 6.6

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 5.
Effect of rice husk biochar on SPAD value in maize at vegetative stages under drought conditions.

8
Amelioration of Drought Tolerance in Maize Using Rice Husk Biochar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88824

Biochar doses (t/ha) Tasseling stage Cob initiation stage

Control 60% of FC 40% of FC Control 60% of FC 40% of FC

0 30.2bc 28.0cd 27.8d 28.2b–d 27.6cd 27.1d

5 30.6b 29.4c–d 29.2b–d 29.8a–c 29.3a–d 29.2a–d

10 30.9b 29.8b–d 29.7b–d 30.7ab 29.5a–d 29.5a–d

20 33.5a 31.2b 30.7b 31.3a 31.0a 30.7ab

CV (%) 4.4 5.0

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 6.
Effect of rice husk biochar on SPAD value in maize at reproductive stages under drought conditions.

When biochar was applied at different doses, SPAD value was increased. At
tasseling stage of maize under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity,
and 40% of field capacity, highest SPAD values were 33.5, 31.2, and 30.7, respec-
tively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest SPAD values were 30.2,
28.0, and 27.8, respectively, when no biochar was applied. At cob initiation stage of
maize under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field
capacity, highest SPAD values were 31.3, 31.0, and 30.7, respectively, when biochar
was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest SPAD values were 28.2, 27.6, and 27.1, respec-
tively, when no biochar was applied. Similar result was reported by Mannan et al.
(2016) in soybean plant under salinity stress due to poultry litter biochar. With
increasing drought stress levels, SPAD readings were decreased [38]. [39] reported
biochar increased soil moisture level and maize yield.

2.10 Effect of rice husk biochar on proline of maize under drought stress

Proline is a kind of stress protein. Proline accumulation under stress condition

occurred because the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis is affected by drought; as a
result N content could not be properly metabolized. In drought soil biochar
increases photosynthesis and proper metabolism of N content. Proline content of
maize varied significantly with different doses of biochar under drought conditions
(Figure 4).
Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field
capacity, lowest proline contents were 1.1, 1.1, and 3.2 μ mole/g, respectively, when
biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and highest proline contents were 1.8, 2.9, and 6.1 μ
mole/g, respectively, when no biochar was applied. [40] reported biochar decreased
proline content in plants. [41] marked drought stress caused overproduction of
proline content. [42] also reported biochar increased photosynthesis in grape leaves.

2.11 Effect of rice husk biochar on dry weight of cob sheath, leaf, and stem of
maize under drought stress

A major effect of drought is reduction in photosynthesis, which is associated

with reduction in food production and ultimately reduced dry weight of plant parts.
Dry weight of cob sheath, leaf, and stem of maize is greatly affected by drought
conditions. Application of rice husk biochar increased dry matter of cob sheath,
leaf, and stem of maize under drought conditions. Dry weight of cob sheath, leaf,
and stem of maize varied significantly with different doses of biochar under
drought conditions (Table 7).

9
Maize - Production and Use

Figure 4.
Effect of rice husk biochar on proline content of maize under drought conditions. Bar indicates LSD at 5% level
of significance.

Biochar doses Cob sheath (g/plant) Leaf (g/plant) Stem (g/plant)

(t/ha)
Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of
FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 12.8bc 11.7bc 10.3c 37.2d–g 35.2fg 34.4g 24.8ab 21.4ab 19.0b

5 13.1bc 12.6bc 11.4bc 39.8a–d 36.4e–g 36.2e–g 25.4ab 22.3ab 20.6ab

10 14.5bc 14.2bc 12.9bc 40.3a–c 39.4a–d 37.7c–f 26.8a 25.2ab 21.3ab

20 19.7a 15.5ab 14.8abc 42.0a 41.5ab 38.6b–e 27.2a 26.2a 22.7ab

CV (%) 21.9 4.6 17.3

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 7.
Effect of rice husk biochar on dry weight of cob sheath, leaf and stem of maize under drought conditions.

The highest dry weight of stem were 27.28 g, 26.25 g and 22.75 g in control, 60%
of field capacity and 40% of field capacity, respectively, when biochar was applied
at 20 t/ha, and lowest dry weights of cob sheath were 12.8, 11.7, and 10.3 g,
respectively, when no biochar was applied. Under control condition (80% of FC),
60% of field capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest dry weights of leaf were
42.0, 41.5, and 38.6 g, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest
dry weights of leaf were.
Table 7. Effect of rice husk biochar on dry weight of cob sheath, leaf, and
stem of maize under drought conditions, 37.2, 35.2, and 34.4 g, respectively,
when no biochar was applied. Under control condition (80%of FC), 60% of field
capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest dry weights of stem were 27.2, 26.2, and
22.7 g, respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest dry weights of
stem were 24.8, 21.8, and 19.0 g, respectively, when no biochar was applied. [43]
found drought stress reduced dry weight of plant parts by affecting photosynthesis.
[44] reported that application of biochar increased dry weight of field-grown
wheat.

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Amelioration of Drought Tolerance in Maize Using Rice Husk Biochar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88824

2.12 Effect of rice husk biochar on shoot, root, and total dry weight of maize
under drought stress

In drought stress shoot dry weight of maize reduced, but root dry weight
increased, because under drought conditions for searching water, root growth
increased, thereby increasing dry weight of root. Application of rice husk biochar
reduced the effects of drought. The dry weight of root and shoot varied significantly
with the application of biochar under drought conditions (Table 8).
Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field
capacity, highest dry weights of shoot were 84.1, 83.1, and 75.9 g, respectively,
when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest dry weights of shoot were 75.4,
68.4, and 63.8 g, respectively, when no biochar was applied. Under control condi-
tion (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field capacity, lowest dry
weights of root were 12.4, 15.6, and 16.8 g, respectively, when biochar was applied
at 20 t/ha, and highest dry weights of root were 17.5, 26.8, and 27.3 g, respectively,
when no biochar was applied. Total dry weight of maize plant was reduced at
drought stress conditions, but reduction was not significant. When biochar is
applied at different doses under drought conditions, total dry weight increased
(Table 8). Under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of
field capacity, highest total dry weights were 98.8, 97.0, and 93.9 g, respectively,
when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest total dry weights were 93.1, 91.1,
and 89.3 g, respectively, when no biochar was applied. [45] found that root dry
weight increased, while shoot dry weight decreased under drought conditions. [46]
marked shoot dry weight increased under drought conditions due to application of
biochar.

2.13 Effect of rice husk biochar on number of cob, length of cob, and diameter
of cob of maize under drought stress

The number of cob was one per plant, and there is no significant difference
among numbers of cob per plant under drought stress condition with different
biochar doses (Table 9).
Drought affected growth of maize. Length of cob of maize was reduced under
drought conditions. When biochar was applied at different doses, the cob length
was increased under drought conditions (Table 9). Under control condition highest
cob length (17.6 cm) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was
lowest (15.9 cm) when no biochar was applied. Under 60% of field capacity, highest

Biochar doses Shoot dry weight Root dry weight (g/plant) Total dry weight
(t/ha) (g/plant) (g/plant)

Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of

FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 75.4a–d 68.4cd 63.8d 17.5a–c 26.8a 27.3a 93.1a 91.1a 89.3a

5 77.8a–c 71.5b–d 68.2cd 16.7a–c 17.7a–c 24.4ab 95.2a 94.6a 92.6a

10 81.2ab 79.3a–c 72.9a–d 15.7bc 16.3a–c 21.7a–c 95.6a 95.5a 92.8a

20 84.1a 83.1ab 75.9a–c 12.4c 15.6bc 16.8a–c 98.8a 97.0a 93.9a

CV (%) 9.3 34.4 8.7

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 8.
Effect of rice husk biochar on shoot, root, and total dry weight of maize under drought conditions.

11
Maize - Production and Use

Biochar doses Number of cob Length of cob (cm) Diameter of cob (cm)
(t/ha)
Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of
FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 1.0a 1.0a 1.0a 15.9a–c 13.2bc 12.1c 3.5a–c 3.2c 3.1c

5 1.0a 1.0a 1.0a 16.5ab 14.7a–c 14.6a–c 3.6a–c 3.3bc 3.2c

10 1.0a 1.0a 1.0a 17.2ab 15.1a–c 15.0a–c 3.8ab 3.5a–c 3.3a–c

20 1.0a 1.0a 1.0a 17.6a 15.3aa– 15.3a–c 3.9a 3.6a–c 3.5a–c

c

CV (%) 0.0 15.7 2.15

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 9.
Effect of rice husk biochar on number of cob, length of cob, and diameter of cob of maize under drought
conditions.

cob length (15.3 cm) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was
lowest (13.2 cm) when no biochar was applied. Under 40% of field capacity, highest
total cob length (15.3 cm) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it
was lowest (12.1 cm) when no biochar was applied. Cob diameter of maize was
reduced under drought stress conditions, and reduction was higher at 40% of field
capacity than at 60% of field capacity. Biochar application increased cob diameter
under drought conditions (Table 9). Under control condition highest cob diameter
(17.6 cm) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest
(15.9 cm) when no biochar was applied. Under 60% of field capacity, highest cob
diameter (15.3 cm) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was
lowest (13.2 cm) when no biochar was applied. Under 40% of field capacity, highest
total cob diameter (15.3 cm) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it
was lowest (12.1 cm) when no biochar was applied. [47] reported biochar increased
yield of lettuce. Reductions in plant yield have been reported in snap bean by [48].
[49] observed biochar application increased maize yield in semiarid conditions.

2.14 Effect of rice husk biochar on number of seed/cob, 100 grain weight (g),
and grain yield (g) of maize under drought stress conditions

Drought stress affected anthesis, grain filling of maize associated with reduction
of number seed/cob, 100 grain weight, and ultimately grain yield. Decrease of
photosynthesis under drought conditions also affected grain yield. Application of
biochar increased photosynthesis efficiency, anthesis, and grain filling, thereby
increasing yield of maize. The number of seed per cob, 100 grain weight, and grain
yield varied significantly with biochar doses under drought conditions (Table 10).
Under control condition (80%of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field
capacity, highest numbers of seed per cob were 353.0, 335.0, and 334.6, respec-
tively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest seeds per cob were 163.0,
147.3, and 139.0, respectively, when no biochar was applied. Under control condi-
tion highest 100 grain weight (27.7 g) was found when biochar was applied at
20 t/ha, and it was lowest (21.8 g) when no biochar was applied. Under 60% of field
capacity, highest 100 grain weight (26.5 g) was found when biochar was applied at
20 t/ha, and it was lowest (20.7 g) when no biochar was applied. Under 40% of field
capacity, highest 100 grain weight (25.0 g) was found when biochar was applied at
20 t/ha, and it was lowest (20.0 g) when no biochar was applied. Under control
condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest

12
Amelioration of Drought Tolerance in Maize Using Rice Husk Biochar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88824

Biochar Number of seed /cob 100 grain weight (g) Grain yield (g/plant)
doses
Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% Control 60% of 40% of
(t/ha)
FC FC FC of FC FC FC

0 163.0bcd 147.3cd 139.0d 21.8a–c 20.7bc 20.0c 40.7cd 35.9cd 27.8d

5 273.0a–d 244.0a–d 164.3b–d 23.4a–c 21.7a–c 21.4a–c 58.6a–d 57.5a–d 34.9cd

10 300.0ab 297.0a–c 288.3a–d 26.8ab 23.0a–c 21.5a–c 79.5ab 68.9a–c 61.0a–d

20 353.0a 335.0a 334.6a 27.7a 26.5a–c 25.0a–c 96.7a 89.7ab 84.5ab

CV (%) 35.5 16.70 37.40

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 10.
Effect of rice husk biochar on the number of seed/cob, 100 grain wt. (g), and grain yield (g) of maize under
drought conditions.

grain yields were 96.7, 89.7, and 84.5 g/plant, respectively, when biochar was
applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest grain yields were 40.7, 35.9, and 27.8 g/plant, respec-
tively, when no biochar was applied. Similar result was reported by [50]. [51]
observed water stress reduced yield of triticale. [52] reported biochar increased pod
yield of soybean under saline conditions.

2.15 Effect of rice husk biochar on N, P, and K in soil under drought stress

Under drought conditions biological activities as well as nutrients in soil are

greatly affected. As a result macronutrients such as N, P, and K are reduced.
Application of rice husk biochar showed positive effects on total nitrogen content
and P and K under stress and nonstressed conditions (Table 11).
The initial total N was 0.17%, and after crop harvest under control condition, the
highest total N (0.14%) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha; it was
lowest (0.10%) when no biochar was applied. Under 60% of field capacity, highest
total N (0.13%) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest
(0.10%) when no biochar was applied. Under 40% of field capacity, highest total N
(0.11%) was found when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and it was lowest (0.09%)
when no biochar was applied. The initial P was 7.24 ppm, and after harvest under
control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field capacity,

Before Total N (%) P (ppm) K (meq/100 g soil)

sowing
0.172 7.24 0.169

After harvest

Biochar doses Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of
(t/ha) FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 0.10a 0.10a 0.09a 7.49bc 7.48bc 7.44c 0.17a 0.17a 0.17a

5 0.11a 0.11a 0.10a 7.96bc 7.74bc 7.61bc 0.17a 0.17a 0.17a

10 0.12a 0.11a 0.11a 9.13a 7.98bc 7.64bc 0.18a 0.17a 0.17a

20 0.14a 0.13a 0.11a 9.18a 8.00b 7.96bc 0.18a 0.18a 0.17a

CV (%) 7.0 4.0 1.5

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 11.
Effect of rice husk biochar on N, P, and K in soil under drought conditions.

13
Maize - Production and Use

highest P were 9.18, 8.00, and 7.96 ppm, respectively, when biochar was applied at
20 t/ha, and lowest P were 7.49, 7.48, and 7.44 ppm, respectively, when no biochar
was applied. The initial K was 0.16 meq/100 g soil, and after crop harvest under
control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% of field capacity,
highest K were 0.18 meq/100 g soil, 0.18 meq/100 g soil, and 0.17 meq/100 g soil,
respectively, when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest K were 0.17 meq/
100 g soil, 0.17 meq/100 g soil, and 0.17 meq/100 g soil, respectively, when no
biochar was applied. [53] reported biochar increased plant available nutrient in soil.
[54] reported drought reduced N, P, and K levels in soil. [55] observed that the
addition of biochar to soils increased soil phosphorus (P), soil potassium (K), and
total soil nitrogen (N).

2.16 Effect of rice husk biochar on Zn, pH, and organic carbon (OC) in soil
under drought stress

Drought stress adversely affected soil chemical properties such as Zn, pH, and
OC. Application of rice husk biochar increased Zn, pH, and OC in soil. Zn and soil
pH varied significantly with different doses of rice husk biochar under drought
conditions, but OC varied insignificantly (Table 12).The initial Zn content was
17.4 meq/100 g soil, and after crop harvest under control condition (80% of FC),
60% of field capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest Zn were 17.4 meq/100 g
soil, 15.3 meq/100 g soil, and 14.9 meq/100 g soil, respectively, when biochar was
applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest Zn were 13.9 meq/100 g soil, 13.2 meq/100 g soil, and
12.6 meq/100 g soil, respectively, when no biochar was applied. The initial pH was
6.1, and after crop harvest under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field
capacity, and 40% of field capacity, highest pH were 7.0, 6.9, and 6.7, respectively,
when biochar was applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest pH were 6.7, 6.7, and 6.6, respec-
tively, when no biochar was applied. The initial OC was 1.4%, and after crop
harvest under control condition (80% of FC), 60% of field capacity, and 40% field
capacity, highest OC were 0.7, 0.7, and 0.6%, respectively, when biochar was
applied at 20 t/ha, and lowest OC were 0.54, 0.53, and 0.52%, respectively, when no
biochar was applied. Similar result was reported by [56]. [57] marked biochar
improved soil chemical properties of saline soil and biochar increased organic car-
bon. [58] found that biochar increased soil pH, thus reducing lime requirements.

Before Zn (meq/100 g soil) pH OC (%)

sowing
17.49 6.18 1.45

After harvest

Biochar doses Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of Control 60% of 40% of
(t/ha) FC FC FC FC FC FC

0 13.9b–e 13.2de 12.6e 6.7ab 6.7b 6.6b 0.5a 0.5a 0.5a

5 14.3b–e 14.0b–e 13.2de 6.7ab 6.7ab 6.7ab 0.5a 0.5a 0.5a

10 15.7ab 14.8b–d 13.9c–e 6.9a 6.7ab 6.7ab 0.6a 0.6a 0.59a

20 17.4a 15.3bc 14.9b–d 7.0a 6.9a 6.7ab 0.7a 0.7a 0.6a

CV (%) 7.4 2.9 6.8

Figure having similar letter did not vary significantly.

Table 12.
Effect of rice husk biochar on Zn, pH, and organic carbon in soil under drought conditions.

14
Amelioration of Drought Tolerance in Maize Using Rice Husk Biochar
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88824

3. Conclusions

Application of rice husk biochar increased plant height, days to maturity, total
dry weight, chlorophyll content, plant water relations, SPAD value, exudation rate
and reduced proline content, and days to flowering of maize under drought condi-
tions. In maize plant drought stress tolerance ameliorate rice husk biochar and
increased cob diameter, cob length, 100 grain weight of cob, seed /cob and finally
maize yield at drought conditions.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of

Bangladesh, for funding the work.

Conflict of interest

There is no conflict of interest.

Author details

Md. Abdul Mannan* and Mariam Akter Shashi

Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural
University, Gazipur, Bangladesh

*Address all correspondence to: [email protected]

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms
of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.

15
Maize - Production and Use

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