Effects of chemical-based fertilizer replacement with biochar-based fertilizer on albic soil nutrient content and maize yield

Biochar-based fertilizers are used to improve soil’s physiochemical and biological properties and increase fertilizer utilization rate. Therefore, a technological model of biochar-based fertilizers is essential for the reduced application. This study was conducted to determine the effects of the different levels of biochar-based fertilizer applications on soil and plant nutrient content, as well as maize yield. Biochar-based fertilizer increased the total N content of maize stem and kernel and the total P content of maize axis and kernel. Biochar-based fertilizer increased the total P but decreased the total K of maize plants while increasing the fertilizer’s partial productivity. Treatment B1 (600.00 kg hm(−2) of biochar-based fertilizer) increased the dry-matter weight of the maize at silking and filling stages by 1.60 and 15.83%. Treatment B1 increased the ear length, diameter, and plant height. Compared with BCK (600.00 kg hm(−2) of conventional fertilizer), the yield of B1 was increased by 9.23%, and the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Biochar-based fertilizer treatments B2–B5 (biochar-based fertilizer reduced by 5–20%) reduced maize yield, but there was no significant difference between their yield and BCK. This study aimed to provide a basic understanding and reference for maize fertilizer reduction with good application prospects.