Impact of different biochar doses and irrigation levels on buckwheat grain yield, quality and water productivity: Artificial neural network (ANN) modeling approach

The effective use of water and the role of soil amendments are gaining increasing importance in sustainable agricultural practices. This study examined how changing irrigation water levels and biochar dosages affect the production and quality of buckwheat. In the study, 5 different irrigation water levels (100%,75%, 50%, 25% and 0%) and 5 biochar doses (1000 kg, 750 kg, 500 kg, 250 kg and 0 kg per decare) were applied in Bilecik conditions. Grain yield, water productivity, mineral content (Mg, K, P, Fe, Zn, Cu), total starch, crude protein, crude oil content, fibre and ash were analyzed. Application result show that the average grain yield increased when the irrigation water level and biochar dose increased. The highest grain yield was determined from the B100×I75 (2311.6 kg ha-1) interaction. Irrigation water and water use efficiency values increased with decreasing irrigation water level and plant water consumption. The analysis indicated that under stressful conditions, some quality criteria increased. Biochar enhances soil water retention, reduces evaporation losses, and improves irrigation efficiency, thereby supporting plant growth under water stress and enabling higher yields with reduced irrigation. In addition, according to the analysis results using the ANN model, the issue where 92% irrigation and biochar application was applied came to the fore.