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ORIGINAL RESEARCH

A Comparison of the Effect of Sugarcane Bagasse-Based Biochar and Boiler Ash on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Initial Growth of Sugarcane

K.G.K. Madhushani 1 ORCID, B.R. Kulasekara *2, U.W.L.M. Kumarasiri 2, A.D. Ampitiyawtta 1, P.W. Jeewanthi 3 

ABSTRACT

Long-term sugarcane monoculture degrades soil. Applying sugarcane by-products can improve soil properties. This study compared the effects of sugarcane bagasse-based boiler ash versus bagasse-based biochar on soil physicochemical properties and initial growth of sugarcane variety SL 96 128. A pot experiment was conducted under shade house conditions using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments consisted of four application rates of biochar and boiler ash (1, 2, 4, and 6 t ha⁻¹), the recommended N:P:K rates for the Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI), the standard N:P:K recommendation, and a zero-amendment control. Plant growth performance and soil physicochemical properties were assessed three months after planting. The results indicated that the application of biochar and boiler ash improved nutrient availability to sugarcane plants. Both biochar and boiler ash amendments exhibited similar effects, while the zero-amendment control was found to be inadequate for the sugarcane variety SL 96 128. Regarding pH buffering capacity, the highest application rate of boiler ash (6 t ha⁻¹) resulted in low buffering capacity, suggesting that boiler ash should be applied under well-monitored conditions. Nevertheless, the application of boiler ash up to 6 t ha⁻¹ combined with recommended chemical fertilizers showed no negative impact on sugarcane plants within the first three months. Further studies are required to evaluate the effects of boiler ash on soil physicochemical properties and sugarcane growth under field conditions.

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Article Info:
- Volume: 05
- Issue: 01
- Pages: 13-23
- Corresponding author:- kulasekaraya@gmail.com

 

DOI:   https://doi.org/10.67346/ssj005011323

Article history:
  • Accepted: 2026 March 27
  • Published: 2026 June 30
  • Available online: 2026 June 30
Cite this article:

Madhushani, K.G.K., Kulasekara, B.R., Kumarasiri, U.W.L.M., Ampitiyawtta, A.D., and Jeewanthi, P.W., 2026. A comparison of the effect of sugarcane bagasse-based biochar and boiler ash on soil physicochemical properties and initial growth of sugarcane. Sugarcane Sri Lanka, 5(1), pp. 13-23.

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