Maize Growth in Relation to Biochar and Compost Application Under Irrigation Intervals

Abstract

Two experiments will be conducted in the Alexandria Governorate, Egypt, in the 2023 and 2024 seasons to determine the response of the maize hybrid (SC 168) to soil amendment and irrigation treatments, as well as the interactions between them. The experiment used a split-plot design (SPD), with the main plot used for the three irrigation treatments and the four soil amendment treatments evenly, and randomly distributed among four replicates in the sub-plot throughout each of the two seasons. The results showed that irrigation treatments varied in all the examined characteristics, and these soil amendment treatments recorded different responses under irrigation treatments. For example, irrigating maize plants every 10 days, followed by a 15-day interval, produced the highest values of maize when compared to a 20-day interval, but using compost or biochar increased the growth of maize in both seasons under conditions that were like those used in the study.