Legume Biochar Fertilizer Can Be an Efficient Alternative to Compost in Integrated Nutrient Management of Paddy (Oryza sativa L.)

Continuous use of chemical fertilizers is detrimental to soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, we need recycle the agroresidues in valorized form (e.g., biochar or compost) improve quality while maintaining yield. This study compares different nutrient management practices using varied dose combinations biochar/compost for sustainable production rice. We present results from a controlled environment under nine options assess effect novel legume fertilizer compared with legume-derived compost. Our suggest that relatively smaller test-based balanced fertilization (75% required nutrients) added (25% equivalence) best combination nutrient-poor vertisols semi-arid tropics. The yield benefits might find relevance similar total–N content compost, although there are noticeable differences other macronutrients, secondary, micronutrients. surface area C:N ratio significantly higher (i.e., 4.47 m2g?1; 37.68) than compost 0.87m2g?1; 10.5) which provides boost rhizospheric interactions resulting plant uptake improved growth attributes at lower doses. In addition, integrated mineral improves organic carbon harvest paddy by 44–54% sole meager increase (10–15%) suggests alternative (as fertilizer) can have policy implications developing carbon-negative technique farming.