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13 pages, 11927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Biochar Application in Compacted and Uncompacted Soil

by Ján Horák, Vladimír Šimanský, Tatijana Kotuš, Tereza Hnátková, Lukáš Trakal and Martin Lukac

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030546 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2544

Abstract

Biochar may offer a substantial potential as a climate change mitigation and soil improvement agent; however, little is known about its effects in fertile soils subjected to standard agricultural practices. The aim of this short-term (60 days) lab experiment, under controlled temperature and [...] Read more.

Biochar may offer a substantial potential as a climate change mitigation and soil improvement agent; however, little is known about its effects in fertile soils subjected to standard agricultural practices. The aim of this short-term (60 days) lab experiment, under controlled temperature and soil moisture regimes, was to investigate the interaction between soil compaction and fertiliser and biochar addition in relatively fertile Luvisol. Three different biochar types and two soil compaction levels were investigated to describe their interactive effect on soil greenhouse gas emission (GHG). A very strong effect of soil compaction on N₂O emission (+280%) and an interaction with biochar were found. The cumulative N₂O emissions from the compacted soil were higher (from +70 to +371%, depending on the biochar type) than the uncompacted soil. Soil compaction resulted in a faster onset and a faster decrease of N₂O production. Biochar did not affect the temporal dynamics of N₂O evolution from either soil. The addition of digestate/crop biomass biochar has resulted in a significant increase in CO₂ evolution both in compacted and uncompacted soils, compared to softwood from spruce (mixture of branches and wood chips) and wood pallets from softwood (spruce without bark) biochar. In the compacted soil, NH₄⁺ availability was positively related to N₂O efflux, and CO₂ emission was positively correlated to both NH₄⁺ and SOC content. An increase in GHGs as a result of an increase in NH₄⁺ availability was seen both in compacted and uncompacted soils, while the rates of N₂O emission were modified by biochar type. Our results show a strong interaction between biochar and soil conditions and a strong effect of biochar type on GHG emissions from agricultural soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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13 pages, 3226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rice Residue-Based Biochar Mitigates N₂O Emission from Acid Red Soil

by Muhammad Aamer, Muhammad Bilal Chattha, Athar Mahmood, Maria Naqve, Muhammad Umair Hassan, Muhammad Shaaban, Fahd Rasul, Maria Batool, Adnan Rasheed, Haiying Tang, Zhong Chuan, Jinhua Shao and Guoqin Huang

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2462; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122462 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2723

Abstract

Biochar application is considered an effective approach to mitigating nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agricultural soils. However, the mechanisms of biochar to mitigate N₂O emissions from acidic red soils are still unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to underpin [...] Read more.

Biochar application is considered an effective approach to mitigating nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from agricultural soils. However, the mechanisms of biochar to mitigate N₂O emissions from acidic red soils are still unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to underpin mechanisms associated with rice residue-based biochar in mitigating N₂O emissions from acid soils. Soil treated with different rates of biochar control, from 1%, 2%, and 3%, and different soil properties, including soil pH, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), NH₄⁺-N, NO₃⁻-N, genes abundance (nosZ, nirK, AOA, and AOB), and enzymatic activities ((nitrate reductase (NR) and urease (UR)) were studied. The application of 3% biochar increased the soil pH (5.21–6.48), MBC (565–685 mg/kg), NO₃⁻-N contents (24.23–44.5 mg/kg), genes abundance (nosZ, nirK, AOA, and AOB) and UR activity. The highest N₂O emission (43.60 μg kg⁻¹) was recorded and compared with the application of 1% (26.3 μg kg⁻¹), 2% (18.33 μg kg⁻¹), and 3% biochar (8.13 μg kg⁻¹). Applying 3% biochar effectively reduced the N₂O emission due to increased soil pH, MBC, NO₃⁻-N contents, genes abundance (nosZ, nirK, AOA, and AOB), and weakened NH₄⁺-N and NR activities. Therefore, increasing soil pH, genes abundance, and weakened nitrification following the addition of rice residue-based biochar can effectively reduce the N₂O emissions from acidic red soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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16 pages, 2093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Impact of Biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal on Root Morphology, Physiological Properties of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) and Soil Enzymatic Activities

by Dilfuza Jabborova, Kannepalli Annapurna, Ravish Choudhary, Subrata Nath Bhowmik, Said E. Desouky, Samy Selim, Islam H. El Azab, Maha M. A. Hamada, Nihal El Nahhas and Amr Elkelish

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112341 - 19 Nov 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3963

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and biochar amendment has been reported to improve the growth of several crop plant; however, their role in stress amelioration individually as well as in combination has not been worked out. Limited information is available about the synergistic [...] Read more.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and biochar amendment has been reported to improve the growth of several crop plant; however, their role in stress amelioration individually as well as in combination has not been worked out. Limited information is available about the synergistic use of biochar and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). Here, we investigated the synergistic effect of biochar and AMF on plant development, root architecture, the physiological performance of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and soil enzymatic activities. Biochar and AMF were shown to have a considerable effect on plant height, according to the data (53.3 and 66.6%, respectively), leaf number (22.5 and 45.1%), total root length (19.8 and 40.1%), root volume (32.1 and 71.4%), chlorophyll a content (26.0 and 17.8%), chlorophyll b content (50.0 and 28.9%), total chlorophyll content (30.0 and 18.1%), and carotenoid content (60.0 and 48.0%) over the control treatment. There was a considerable increase in plant height when biochar and AMF were combined together by 80.9%, total root length by 68.9%, projected area by 48.7%, root surface area by 34.4%, root volume by 78.5%, chlorophyll a content by 34.2%, chlorophyll b content by 68.4%, total chlorophyll content by 44.5%, and carotenoid content by 84.0% compared to the control. Our results recommend that the combination of biochar and AMF is advantageous in fenugreek growth, microbial biomass, and soil enzyme activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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16 pages, 1831 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Economic Analysis of Biochar Use in Soybean Production in Poland

by Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec, Agnieszka Koryś, Katarzyna Anna Koryś, Maciej Kuboń, Urszula Sadowska, Maciej Gliniak, Jakub Sikora, Adam Drosik, Marcin Niemiec, Agnieszka Klimek-Kopyra, Maciej Sporysz, Boguslaw Usowicz and Bruna Medeiros

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2108; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112108 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3816

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important crops grown globally. Biochar has been proposed as an alternative to aid sustainable soybean production. However, comprehensive studies that include both the economic aspects of soybean production and biochar are scarce. Poland, [...] Read more.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is one of the most important crops grown globally. Biochar has been proposed as an alternative to aid sustainable soybean production. However, comprehensive studies that include both the economic aspects of soybean production and biochar are scarce. Poland, with an economy largely based on agriculture, is an interesting case to investigate the cost-effectiveness of using biochar in soybean production. We show that the use of biochar at rates of 40, 60 and 80 t/ha is unprofitable compared with a traditional soil amendment, such as NPK fertilization. The breakeven price for biochar to be economically viable should be USD 39.22, USD 38.29 and USD 23.53 for 40, 60 and 80 Mg/ha biochar, respectively, while the cost of biochar used for this experiment was USD 85.33. The payback period for doses of 40 and 60 Mg/ha was estimated to be three years. With a carbon sequestration subsidy of USD 30 per ton of CO₂, the use of biochar may be profitable in the first year of soybean production. This is the first comprehensive economic analysis of the use of biochar in soybean production in Poland and one of the few published worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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17 pages, 3398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Changes in Loam Soils Amended with Bamboo Biochar and Their Influence in Tomato Production Yield

by Karolina Villagra-Mendoza, Federico Masís-Meléndez, Jaime Quesada-Kimsey, Carlos A. García-González and Rainer Horn

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102052 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2988

Abstract

Soil degradation and water stress in Costa Rica challenge the production of highly sensitive crops. This work is aimed at evaluating the physical and chemical changes in sandy loam (SL) and a silt loam (SiL) soil when amended with bamboo biochar while estimating [...] Read more.

Soil degradation and water stress in Costa Rica challenge the production of highly sensitive crops. This work is aimed at evaluating the physical and chemical changes in sandy loam (SL) and a silt loam (SiL) soil when amended with bamboo biochar while estimating the enhancement of tomato productivity. Biochar, obtained from Guadua Angustifolia bamboo feedstock, was mixed into sieved bulk soil substrate from the topsoil, from Andosol and Umbrisol groups, at application rates of 1, 2.5, and 5% (dry mass). Physicochemical and morphological properties of biochar such as pH, hydrophobicity, scanning electron microscopy images, helium picnometry, specific surface area by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, CHNS, and ash content were determined. Soil hydrophobicity, acidity, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity and water retention, available water content, and air capacity were analyzed for the amended soils. Tomato yield was quantified after a harvest period of two months. The admixture of biochar did not significantly increase soil cation exchange capacity but increased water retention in the range of available water content. Class A (>200 g) tomato yield increased 350% in the SL and 151% in the SiL. Class B (100–200 g) tomato yields increased 27% in the SL but decreased about 30% in the SiL. Tomato yield response seems attributable to variation of water retention capacity, available water content, and air capacity. These results support the use of adapted water management strategies for tomato production based on soil physical changes of biochar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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14 pages, 1992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar and Sulphur Enriched Digestate: Utilization of Agriculture Associated Waste Products for Improved Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Content, Microbial Activity, and Plant Growth

by Tereza Hammerschmiedt, Jiri Holatko, Marek Sudoma, Antonin Kintl, Jan Vopravil, Pavel Ryant, Petr Skarpa, Maja Radziemska, Oldrich Latal and Martin Brtnicky

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2041; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102041 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3243

Abstract

A number of agriculture residues may be used either directly or after suitable treatment as amendments to improve soil quality. Such materials include biochar made of agriculture residues, digestate or elemental sulphur obtained from biogas desulphurisation. The joint use of these materials via [...] Read more.

A number of agriculture residues may be used either directly or after suitable treatment as amendments to improve soil quality. Such materials include biochar made of agriculture residues, digestate or elemental sulphur obtained from biogas desulphurisation. The joint use of these materials via pre-incubation may be more advantageous than only mixing prior the application to soil. In this study, digestates were mixed with amendments and incubated for 6 weeks before application to soil in a short-term pot experiment with lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The following treatments were tested: control digestate, digestate + biochar, digestate + elemental sulphur, digestate + biochar + elemental sulphur. The biochar-enriched digestate significantly increased soil microbial biomass, soil C:N, fresh above ground biomass, fresh and dry root biomass. Elemental sulphur-enriched digestate caused highest arylsulfatase and phosphatase, increased urease, microbial biomass in soil and fresh root biomass. Amendment of digestate + biochar + sulphur led to the significantly highest total soil carbon, microbial biomass, β-glucosidase, urease, and increased C:N ratio, arylsulfatase in soil and root biomass. It mitigated the adverse effect of either biochar or elemental sulphur on soil respiration. Properties of digestates were apparently affected by pre-incubation. This approach in digestate fertilizer production may contribute to sustainable farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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17 pages, 1431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Evaluation of Poultry Litter Biochar Produced at Different Pyrolysis Temperatures as a Sustainable Management Approach and Its Impact on Soil Carbon Mineralization

by Chen-Chi Tsai and Yu-Fang Chang

Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11091692 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3199

Abstract

Poultry litter biochar (PLB) is a value-adding soil amendment and an economically sustainable approach that is used to enhance food safety and reduce environmental harm. Poultry litter biochar has promising potential but has been under-examined in regards to carbon (C) sequestration in relation [...] Read more.

Poultry litter biochar (PLB) is a value-adding soil amendment and an economically sustainable approach that is used to enhance food safety and reduce environmental harm. Poultry litter biochar has promising potential but has been under-examined in regards to carbon (C) sequestration in relation to its type and application rate. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of PLB in enhancing the C sequestration of acid soils through a short-term incubation experiment. The soil was amended with different materials: PLB (1%, 5%, and 10%) and a control (non-amended). The results indicated that PLB application increased soil C mineralization relative to the control (19–1562%), it significantly increased with an increasing application rate (e.g., increased addition 29, 99, and 172% for 1, 5, and 10% of 400 °C PLB), and the soil C mineralization and applied carbon mineralized (ACM) significantly decreased with temperature (e.g., the cumulative C pool ranges of ACM with 1% PLB, added at pyrolysis temperatures of 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 °C, were 42.0, 34.4, 19.6, 6.16, and 4.04%, respectively). To assist sustainable soil management and to aid the achievement of multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs), as well as to maximize the benefits of PLB applications and minimize the potential environmental risk, it is suggested that application of PLB, pyrolyzed within 400–600 °C at a rate between 1% to 5%, should be adopted in acidic soils in Taiwan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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9 pages, 2229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Biochar on Soil CO₂ Fluxes from Agricultural Field Experiments in Russian Far East

by Mariia A. Bovsun, Simona Castaldi, Olga V. Nesterova, Viktoriia. A. Semal, Nikolay A. Sakara, Anastasia V. Brikmans, Alexandra I. Khokhlova and Tatyana Y. Karpenko

Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081559 - 5 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3019

Abstract

Agricultural soils are a major source of greenhouse gases. Biochar is a soil improver and, when applied to the soil, sequesters carbon. However, a different combination of soil and climatic conditions and biochar leads to different research results. In this research, the effects [...] Read more.

Agricultural soils are a major source of greenhouse gases. Biochar is a soil improver and, when applied to the soil, sequesters carbon. However, a different combination of soil and climatic conditions and biochar leads to different research results. In this research, the effects of 1 kg/m² and 3 kg/m² biochar application to clay soils on the CO₂ flow in field experiments along two cropping seasons in the Russian Far East were investigated. Data showed that biochar significantly reduces the cumulative flow of soil CO₂, compared with untreated field plots. In 2018, the greatest reduction in soil CO₂ emissions (28.2%) with 3 kg/m² of biochar was obtained, while in 2019, the greatest decrease in the cumulative CO₂ flow at the application dose of 1 kg/m² (57.7%) was recorded. A correlation between a decrease in the value of the cumulative CO₂ flux and an increase in the biomass grown in the studied areas of agricultural crops during the season of 2018 was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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17 pages, 2298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Biochar Made from Agricultural Residues to Increase Soil Fertility and Microbial Activity: Impacts on Soils with Varying Sand Content

by Martin Brtnicky, Tereza Hammerschmiedt, Jakub Elbl, Antonin Kintl, Lucia Skulcova, Maja Radziemska, Oldrich Latal, Tivadar Baltazar, Eliska Kobzova and Jiri Holatko

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061174 - 9 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3098

Abstract

Different types of soil respond variably to biochar amendment. Soil structure and fertility are properties which strongly affect the impacts of biochar on soil fertility and microbial activity. A pot experiment with lettuce was conducted to verify whether biochar amendment is more beneficial [...] Read more.

Different types of soil respond variably to biochar amendment. Soil structure and fertility are properties which strongly affect the impacts of biochar on soil fertility and microbial activity. A pot experiment with lettuce was conducted to verify whether biochar amendment is more beneficial in sandy soil than in clay soil. The nutrient content (carbon and nitrogen), microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration, metabolic quotient, and plant biomass yield were determined. The treatments were prepared by mixing silty clay loam (Haplic Luvisol) with a quartz sand in ratios of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of sand; the same six treatments were prepared and amended with biochar (12 treatments in total). Soil carbon and nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, and soil respiration were indirectly dependent on the descending sand ratio, whereas the metabolic quotient increased with the ascending sand ratio. The biochar’s effects were positive for total carbon, microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, and plant biomass in the sand-rich treatments. The maximum biochar-derived benefit in crop yield was found in the 100% sand + biochar treatment, which exhibited 24-fold (AGB) and 11-fold (root biomass) increases compared to the unamended treatment. The biochar application on coarse soil types with lower fertility was proven to be favorable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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17 pages, 3197 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Sustainable Approach for Improving Soil Properties and Reducing N₂O Emissions Is Possible through Initial and Repeated Biochar Application

by Ján Horák, Tatijana Kotuš, Lucia Toková, Elena Aydın, Dušan Igaz and Vladimír Šimanský

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030582 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3141

Abstract

Recent findings of changing climate, water scarcity, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions have brought major challenges to sustainable agriculture worldwide. Biochar application to soil proves to be a suitable solution to these problems. Although the literature presents the pros and cons of [...] Read more.

Recent findings of changing climate, water scarcity, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions have brought major challenges to sustainable agriculture worldwide. Biochar application to soil proves to be a suitable solution to these problems. Although the literature presents the pros and cons of biochar application, very little information is available on the impact of repeated application. In this study, we evaluate and discuss the effects of initial and reapplied biochar (both in rates of 0, 10, and 20 t ha⁻¹) combined with N fertilization (at doses of 0, 40, and 80 kg ha⁻¹) on soil properties and N₂O emission from Haplic Luvisol in the temperate climate zone (Slovakia). Results showed that biochar generally improved the soil properties such as soil pH_(KCl) (p ≤ 0.05; from acidic towards moderately acidic), soil organic carbon (p ≤ 0.05; an increase from 4% to over 100%), soil water availability (an increase from 1% to 15%), saturated hydraulic conductivity (an increase from 5% to 95%). The effects were more significant in the following cases: repeated rather than single biochar application, higher rather than lower biochar application rates, and higher rather than lower N fertilization levels. Initial and repeated biochar applications, leading to N₂O emissions reduction, can be related to increased soil pH_(KCl). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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20 pages, 1977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrological Properties of a Clay Loam Soil as Affected by Biochar Application in a Pot Experiment

by Angela Libutti, Matteo Francavilla and Massimo Monteleone

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030489 - 5 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3725

Abstract

Improving soil-water relations by amending soil with biochar might play a significant role in increasing water availability for agricultural crops as well as decreasing water loss through drainage or runoff. While the effects of biochar on the hydrological properties on coarse-textured soils are [...] Read more.

Improving soil-water relations by amending soil with biochar might play a significant role in increasing water availability for agricultural crops as well as decreasing water loss through drainage or runoff. While the effects of biochar on the hydrological properties on coarse-textured soils are generally positive and well-documented in the literature, studies on biochar effects on fine-textured soils are rather scarce and even contradictory. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of biochar on the bulk density, water retention curve (together with several water capacitive indicators) and water infiltration rate in a clay loam soil. A pot experiment was carried out under lab conditions in which biochar was mixed with soil at rates of 0 (B0 or control), 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% dw (B2, B4, B6, B8 and B10, respectively). Water retention of soil–biochar mixtures at different matrix potentials was determined using a pressure plate apparatus. From these measurements, a series of capacitive indicators was derived and the fitting of the van Genuchten model was also performed. Water infiltration into soil–biochar mixtures was measured by means of a mini-disk infiltrometer and the obtained data were analyzed both directly and by fitting the Philip’s model. Biochar significantly affected the considered soil properties. As the biochar rate increased, the bulk density decreased and water retention increased (B6, B8 and B10 > B2, B4 and B0), while the infiltration rate decreased (B0 > B2, B4, B6, B8 and B10). Although the experiment was performed on sieved and repacked soil samples under lab conditions, the results confirmed that biochar has the potential to increase plant-available water, while possibly reducing drainage water in a clay loam soil by lowering the infiltration rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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18 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Quanti-Qualitative Response of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cycla) to Soil Amendment with Biochar-Compost Mixtures

by Angela Libutti and Anna Rita Rivelli

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020307 - 9 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3704

Abstract

In recent years, soil addition with organic amendments, such as biochar and compost, has gained attention as an effective agronomic practice to sustain soil fertility, enhance plant growth and crop yield. Well known are the positive effects of compost on yield of a [...] Read more.

In recent years, soil addition with organic amendments, such as biochar and compost, has gained attention as an effective agronomic practice to sustain soil fertility, enhance plant growth and crop yield. Well known are the positive effects of compost on yield of a wide crop varieties, while both positive and negative responses are reported for biochar Therefore, the aim of the study was to verify the effect of biochar mixed with three types of compost on quanti-qualitative response of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. cycla), a leafy green vegetable rich in dietary antioxidants, largely consumed worldwide. A factorial experiment in pots with two factors, including biochar (without biochar and with biochar from vine pruning residues) and compost (without compost, with compost from olive pomace, with vermicompost from cattle manure, and with compost from cattle anaerobic digestate), was setup. Two growth cycles were considered, and a set of quantitative (height of plants, number, area and fresh weight of leaves) and qualitative parameters (carotenoids, chlorophyll, total N, and NO₃⁻content of leaves) were analyzed. Biochar decreased plant growth and NO₃⁻ leaf content; on the contrary, it increased total N leaf content, while compost improved all the considered parameters. The interactive effect of biochar and compost was evident only on total N and NO₃⁻ leaf content. In our experimental conditions, the compost showed to be the best option to improve Swiss chard growth and increase the content of phytopigments, while the biochar-compost mixtures did not produce the expected effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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10 pages, 481 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochar Reduces the Stability of Soil Aggregates during Intensive Leaching Experiment

by Nikola Teutscherova, Bohdan Lojka, Marta Benito, Alberto Masaguer and Eduardo Vázquez

Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1910; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121910 - 3 Dec 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2775

Abstract

The interplay of different mechanisms shaping the biochar impact on soil structure remains relatively unexplored. We investigated the impact of biochar application to two contrasting soils on the stability of soil aggregates under an intensive intermittent leaching regime. A greenhouse experiment was established [...] Read more.

The interplay of different mechanisms shaping the biochar impact on soil structure remains relatively unexplored. We investigated the impact of biochar application to two contrasting soils on the stability of soil aggregates under an intensive intermittent leaching regime. A greenhouse experiment was established using PVC columns filled with 500 g soil from an Acrisol or Calcisol amended with three biochar applications (0, 1 and 2% w/w). The columns were watered weekly (100 mL) during two leaching cycles (each lasting 10 weeks). The amount of leached base cations, the stability of 1–2 mm aggregates fraction and soil chemical properties were determined. Biochar enhanced the leaching of the studied cations, but the content of base cations and effective cation exchange capacity remained higher in the biochar-amended Acrisol when compared to control soil. In both soils, biochar reduced the amount of water-stable aggregates, which seemed to be attributed to the increase of K in the exchange complex in the Acrisol while no significant correlation was detected between aggregation in Calcisol and other variables. The negative impact of biochar on soil aggregation is likely linked to higher sensitivity of biochar-amended soils to aggregate disruption under changing moisture conditions caused by frequent and intensive leaching events. These results highlight the gaps in our understanding of biochar impact on soil aggregation, which have implications for soil erodibility or restoration of degraded lands under changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 2269 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration after Biochar Application: A Global Meta-Analysis

by Arthur Gross, Tobias Bromm and Bruno Glaser

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2474; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122474 - 5 Dec 2021

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 11525

Abstract

Biochar application to soil has the potential to sequester carbon in the long term because of its high stability and large-scale production potential. However, biochar technologies are still relatively new, and the global factors affecting the long-term fate of biochar in the environment [...] Read more.

Biochar application to soil has the potential to sequester carbon in the long term because of its high stability and large-scale production potential. However, biochar technologies are still relatively new, and the global factors affecting the long-term fate of biochar in the environment are still poorly understood. To fill this important research gap, a global meta-analysis was conducted including 64 studies with 736 individual treatments. Field experiments covered experimental durations between 1 and 10 years with biochar application amounts between 1 and 100 Mg ha⁻¹. They showed a mean increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks by 13.0 Mg ha⁻¹ on average, corresponding to 29%. Pot and incubation experiments ranged between 1 and 1278 days and biochar amounts between 5 g kg⁻¹ and 200 g kg⁻¹. They raised SOC by 6.3 g kg⁻¹ on average, corresponding to 75%. More SOC was accumulated in long experimental durations of >500 days in pot and incubation experiments and 6–10 years in field experiments than in shorter experimental durations. Organic fertilizer co-applications significantly further increased SOC. Biochar from plant material showed higher C sequestration potential than biochar from fecal matter, due to higher C/N ratio. SOC increases after biochar application were higher in medium to fine grain textured soils than in soils with coarse grain sizes. Our study clearly demonstrated the high C sequestration potential of biochar application to agricultural soils of varying site and soil characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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29 pages, 1780 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Biochar and Its Broad Impacts in Soil Quality and Fertility, Nutrient Leaching and Crop Productivity: A Review

by Hiba M. Alkharabsheh, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Martin Leonardo Battaglia, Ashwag Shami, Rewaa S. Jalal, Bushra Ahmed Alhammad, Khalid F. Almutairi and Adel M. Al-Saif

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050993 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 209 | Viewed by 23487

Abstract

Biochar is gaining significant attention due to its potential for carbon (C) sequestration, improvement of soil health, fertility enhancement, and crop productivity and quality. In this review, we discuss the most common available techniques for biochar production, the main physiochemical properties of biochar, [...] Read more.

Biochar is gaining significant attention due to its potential for carbon (C) sequestration, improvement of soil health, fertility enhancement, and crop productivity and quality. In this review, we discuss the most common available techniques for biochar production, the main physiochemical properties of biochar, and its effects on soil health, including physical, chemical, and biological parameters of soil quality and fertility, nutrient leaching, salt stress, and crop productivity and quality. In addition, the impacts of biochar addition on salt-affected and heavy metal contaminated soils were also reviewed. An ample body of literature supports the idea that soil amended with biochar has a high potential to increase crop productivity due to the concomitant improvement in soil structure, high nutrient use efficiency (NUE), aeration, porosity, and water-holding capacity (WHC), among other soil amendments. However, the increases in crop productivity in biochar-amended soils are most frequently reported in the coarse-textured and sandy soils compared with the fine-textured and fertile soils. Biochar has a significant effect on soil microbial community composition and abundance. The negative impacts that salt-affected and heavy metal polluted soils have on plant growth and yield and on components of soil quality such as soil aggregation and stability can be ameliorated by the application of biochar. Moreover, most of the positive impacts of biochar application have been observed when biochar was applied with other organic and inorganic amendments and fertilizers. Biochar addition to the soil can decrease the nitrogen (N) leaching and volatilization as well as increase NUE. However, some potential negative effects of biochar on microbial biomass and activity have been reported. There is also evidence that biochar addition can sorb and retain pesticides for long periods of time, which may result in a high weed infestation and control cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar from Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Farming and Recultivation)

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