Abstraction of nitrates and phosphates from water by sawdust- and rice husk-derived biochars: Their potential as N- and P-loaded fertilizer for plant productivity in nutrient deficient soil

•Pyrolytic temperature had substantial influence on biochar properties.•High-temperature (700 °C) biochar exhibited greater abstraction of NO3− from water.•Pore-diffusion and chemisorption governed NO3− and PO43− sorption onto biochars.•The N- and P-loaded biochars significantly improved the maize productivity in soil.