Integration of Biochar and Legumes in Summer Gap for Enhancing Productivity of Cereal Based Cropping System

Biochar can improve soil quality, increase crop production and sequester C in agricultural systems. Two years field experiments were conducted on corn crop at the research farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, during 2011-2013. Wheat-maize-wheat cropping pattern was followed with the adjustment of legumes in summer gap (land available after wheat harvest till maize sowing). Legumes i.e. mungbean, cowpea and sesbania with a fallow were adjusted in the summer gap with and without biochar application. Biochar was applied at the rate of 0 and 50 t ha^-1 with four N levels of 0, 90, 120, 150 kg ha^-1 to subsequent maize crop. Biochar significantly enhanced plant height and grain yield. The plots previously sown with legumes produced taller plants and high number of grains ear^-1. Nitrogen application increased plant height, number of grains ear^-1, thousand grains weight, grain and biological yield. It is concluded that integration of biochar and legumes could be a useful strategy for enhancing the overall farm profitability and productivity of cereal-based systems by providing increased yields from this additional ‘summer gap’ crop.