International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

Background: Biochar application in combination with fertiliser may improve crop productivity and nutrient use while providing an avenue for utilising invasive biomass.

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of Lantana camara-derived biochar on cauliflower yield, nutrient uptake, quality and economic returns.

Study Design: The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design with nine treatments and three replications. 

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Water Management, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, from October 2023 to March 2024.

Results: The results of the present investigation revealed that the application of 100% RDF + 20.0 t ha⁻¹ biochar (T₉) was the most effective treatment among those evaluated, consistently outperforming the remaining treatments across the major parameters studied. This treatment recorded the highest head and stalk yields, along with superior quality attributes of cauliflower, including maximum crude protein (14.26 %), total soluble solids (6.55 ˚Brix) and ascorbic acid content (54.02 mg 100 g^-1). These results indicate that the sustained and gradual release of nutrients from biochar at this higher application rate created a favourable rhizosphere environment conducive to vigorous crop growth and development. In addition to yield and quality, treatment T₉ recorded the maximum uptake of essential nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese) by the crop, reflecting the combined benefits of enhanced nutrient availability, improved soil physico-chemical properties and greater microbial activity associated with higher rates of biochar application. From an economic perspective, biochar application resulted in a higher benefit:cost ratio than the treatment receiving farmyard manure (FYM), indicating that the additional input costs associated with biochar preparation and application were compensated for by gains in yield and quality, thereby providing greater economic returns. Among all treatments, T₉ (100% RDF + 20.0 t ha⁻¹ biochar) registered the highest increase in the benefit:cost ratio, amounting to 15.88 per cent over the FYM-treated control (T₁).

Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of biochar derived from invasive species such as Lantana camara as an eco-friendly soil amendment capable of reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers while simultaneously enhancing nutrient uptake and crop productivity.