Vol. 2, Issue 5, Part D (2016)

Abstract
Due to the dependence of major population of India on agriculture the rise in demands poses a pressure on agricultural sciences. Continuous cultivation of soil causes a steady decrease in the soil organic content and fertility. This steady decrease in fertility is compensated by addition of chemical fertilizers but decrease in organic content is a more serious problem. The application of chemical fertilizers may increase crop production but affect soil health and GHGs emission. To overcome this, a new approach biocharcoal (biochar) is introduced. Biochar is produced by the pyrolysis of biomass feedstock (plant/animal). Bagasse and mixed biochar was prepared at 500 ºC and applied to soil. The mixed biochar was prepared from three feedstocks i.e., pine needle, bagasse and chicken litter. The Glycine max (L.) Merril. was grown in biochar treated soil, and the growth and productivity were recorded during the life cycle. During life cycle of 120 days the plant biomass first increases and then decreases. The yield and Chlorophyll pigment was found high in biochar treated soil than control. The data was analyzed by applying Tukey HSD test of post hoc treatment in SPSS 16.00 software. Thus, the study indicates that biochar treatments were found to be best suited for Glycine max.