Impact of the Combined Application of Biochar and Compost on Mine Soil Quality and Growth of Lady’s Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus)

Abstract

Amelioration of mine soil is challenging because of the lack of biologically active organic matter. The study was aimed to recycle yard waste into compost and biochar and to use them to reclaim mine soil. Biochar prepared at 350 °C showed the highest stable organic matter yield index and was used for the experiments. Lady’s finger was grown on mine soil amended with biochar (1%–5%), compost (2%–10%), and biochar-compost mixtures (2%–10%). Mine soil pH increased in all treatments. Mine soil dehydrogenase activity (42%–224%), microbial biomass carbon (4%–257%), and hydrolase activity (3%–230%) increased by combined application of biochar and compost. Lady’s finger plant height, biomass, and fruit yield were superior in biochar–compost mixtures compared to biochar and compost alone treatment. Thus the use of compost along with biochar could be recommended for reclamation of mine soil.