Biochar increased water holding capacity but accelerated organic carbon leaching from a sloping farmland soil in China

Abstract Conventional substrates for nursery plant production typically are soilless media that are comprised of low bulk density material with either organic or synthetic components. These mixes aim to provide a lightweight medium that provides acceptable water holding capacity and nutrient retention and create a suitable environment for root proliferation and biomass growth. In an effort to identify alternatives to traditional container substrates, a comparative amendment study was conducted to observe changes in media qualities and plant growth response of Aronia melanocarpa ‘Viking' and Acer saccharum over a period of 16 months. Materials used to amend traditional medium included composted green waste, biosolids and wood chips, biochar, aerated compost tea and vermicompost. The results of this study found that all amendments performed equally as well as control (NULL) treatments for root, shoot and total biomass production for both Aronia melanocarpa ‘Viking' and Acer saccharum. After a period of 16 months, significant changes in biochemical properties had occurred in mediums amended with biochar, wood chips, composts and biosolids. This study provides data on a variety of alternative materials that can be used as substitutes for traditional greenhouse medium in production of nursery tree stock. Index words: aerated compost tea, biochar, biosolids, carbon to nitrogen ratio, compost, dissolved organic carbon, electrical conductivity, fertilizer, microbial biomass carbon, control, active carbon, microbial respiration, leaf fluorescence, soil water tension, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, volumetric water content, wood chips, water holding capacity. Species used in this study: ‘Viking' black chokeberry [Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott]; sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall).

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Organic carbon content in arable soil – aeration matters

10.5194/soil-2018-35 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Tino Colombi ◽

Florian Walder ◽

Lucie Büchi ◽

Marlies Sommer ◽

Kexing Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Organic Carbon ◽

Carbon Content ◽

Soil Structure ◽

Gas Transport ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Organic Carbon Content ◽

Soil Aeration ◽

Soil Organic Carbon Content ◽

Water Holding

Abstract. Arable soils may act as a sink in the global carbon cycle but the prediction of their potential for carbon sequestration remains challenging. The role of soil structure and related physical properties for carbon sequestration is only little explored, especially at the farm level. We hypothesized that improved soil aeration, which is strongly controlled by soil structure, leads to higher soil organic carbon content. Soil gas transport properties, water holding capacity, microbial biomass and soil organic carbon content, were quantified in the topsoil and subsoil in 30 fields of individual farms. The fields were managed either conventionally, organically or according to no-till practice. Tillage significantly increased gas transport capability and water holding capacity of the topsoil. In the same soil layer, organic farming resulted in higher soil organic carbon content and microbial biomass. Both in the topsoil and the subsoil higher gas transport capability and water holding capacity led to increased soil organic carbon content (0.53

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Impacts of land-use intensity on soil organic carbon content, soil structure and water-holding capacity

Soil Use and Management ◽

10.1111/sum.12064 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 547-556 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

M. Acín-Carrera ◽

M. José Marques ◽

P. Carral ◽

A. M. Álvarez ◽

C. López ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Organic Carbon ◽

Carbon Content ◽

Soil Structure ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Organic Carbon Content ◽

Land Use Intensity ◽

Soil Organic Carbon Content ◽

Water Holding

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Impacts of Controlled Forest Fires on Soil Properties in Gadchiroli Forest Circle, Central India

Sustainability Agri Food and Environmental Research ◽

10.7770/safer-v9n2-art2253 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Rahul Kamble

Keyword(s):

Electrical Conductivity ◽

Organic Matter ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Forest Fire ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Forest Fires ◽

Central India ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Water Holding

Forest is an important ecosystem service to human beings. In recent decades the forest is facing tremendous pressure from anthropogenic activities. One of the activities is the burning of forest floor for easy collection of non-timber forest produce. As a result of this number of incidences of forest fires has increased in the tribal-dominated area of the world. These forest fires have adverse impacts on soil properties which will ultimately in the long term have impacts on the forest ecosystem. Taking into consideration this fact this study was attempted to assess the impacts of controlled forest fires on the physicochemical properties of forest soil in the Gadchiroli forest circle of Central India. To assess the impacts six sampling sites from the forest where identified from the study area where no previous forest fire history was recorded in that season. Initial soil sampling before controlled forest fire was carried out in summer 2019 by quartering method in the topsoil layer (1-5 cm). A controlled forest fire was carried out in the same area. The soil was prepared for soil analysis and analysed by adopting standard methods for bulk density, water holding capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and organic matter. Results revealed that forest fires increase the bulk density of soil, at 50% (n = 3) sampling locations water holding capacity got reduced down; whereas, at other half increased in capacity was observed. In the case of soil pH 66% (n = 4) sample reported increased in soil pH and at other reduction in soil pH was recorded. Except at one sampling location electrical conductivity was reduced. A similar trend was also noticed for organic carbon and organic matter. Bulk density and water holding capacity will have long term impacts; whereas, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and organic matter will have short term impacts. Furthermore, in those sampling locations where forest fire does not occur in the last 2-3 years organic carbon and organic matter content of the soil is high. Thus, measures to be taken to reduce forest fires activities by incorporating an effective forest fire management system at a place by incorporating fire load management subsystem and fire suppression subsystem.

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Soil Characteristics in Moist Tropical Forest of Sunsari District, Nepal

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology ◽

10.3126/njst.v14i1.8876 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 35-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Tilak Prasad Gautam ◽

Tej Narayan Mandal

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Microbial Biomass ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Total Nitrogen ◽

Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽

Deep Layer ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Biomass Carbon ◽

Microbial Biomass Nitrogen ◽

Water Holding

The physico-chemical properties of soils of tropical moist forest (Charkoshe jungle) in Sunsari district of eastern Nepal were analyzed. The samples were collected during summer season from three depths: upper (0-15 cm), middle (15-30 cm) and deep (30-45 cm). They were analyzed for texture, pH, moisture, water holding capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, organic matter and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen. The forest soil of upper and middle layers was loamy whereas that of deep layer was sandy loam. The pH value was lower (5.6) in upper layer than in the deep layer (6.6). The moisture content, water holding capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen and organic matter were higher in upper layer and decreased with increasing depth. The higher level of soil nutrients in upper layer was due partly to reduction in the loss of top soil and partly to the increased supply of nutrients from the decomposed form of litter and fine roots of the forest plants. The average value of microbial biomass carbon in the soil was 676.6 μg g-¹and microbial biomass nitrogen was 59.0 μg g-¹. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 35-40 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8876

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Effect of organic carbon (peat) on moisture retention of peat:mineral mixes

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/s00-011 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 81 (2) ◽

pp. 205-211 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

T D Moskal ◽

L. Leskiw ◽

M A Naeth ◽

D S Chanasyk

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Oil Sands ◽

Water Retention ◽

Sandy Loam ◽

Field Capacity ◽

Soil Samples ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Water Holding

Quantification of the effects of organic carbon (OC) addition to reclaimed soils is an important reclamation issue. Such effects on soil texture, field capacity (FC), wilting point (PWP) and water-holding capacity (WHC), all expressed both on a gravimetric and volumetric basis, were quantified using both in situ soil samples and laboratory-prepared peat:mineral mixes. Soil samples were collected from both natural and reclaimed areas within the Oil Sands region of Alberta; peat was obtained from the same area. Organic carbon was determined for laboratory-created mixtures and expressed as volume ratios; for the in situ samples it was expressed as % OC. Bulk density, an important factor in the effects of OC on water retention, was measured in situ.Water retention parameters of in situ samples on a gravimetric basis were significantly related to % OC, but those on a volume basis were not. Trends in volumetric WHC for in situ, coarse-textured samples were similar to those for gravimeteric WHC, due to similar bulk densities ranging from 1.30 to 1.40 Mg m–3. However, for in situ peaty soils, trends in volumetric water retention did not mimic those expressed on a gravimetric basis due to low and irregular bulk densities. For laboratory-constructed peat:mineral mixes, FC and WHC were significantly impacted by % OC, however, PWP was not. The addition of peat material resulted in minor textural changes for sand and loamy sand; hence, the change in texture could not be responsible for the increases in WHC as the result of peat additions. The results for sandy loam were variable. Key words: Bulk density, field capacity, reclamation, water-holding capacity

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Study of Bio-fertilizer Produced from Agro-waste (Sesame Straw) and Cow Dung Using Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus in Arid Environment

Research in Ecology ◽

10.30564/re.v3i3.3429 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

Author(s):

K. R. Panwar ◽

G. Tripathi

Keyword(s):

Electrical Conductivity ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Eisenia Fetida ◽

Organic Fertilizer ◽

Arid Environment ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Cow Dung ◽

Perionyx Sansibaricus ◽

Conductivity Water ◽

Water Holding

In this study, an analysis of organic fertilizer of an agro-waste (Sesame straw) plus cow dung was carried out using an epigeic earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus. Sesame straw is abundantly produced after each harvesting of the crop in Kharif season in arid region of tropical India. The compost produced in presence and absence of earthworm exhibit significant (P<0.001) and non-significant (P>0.05) changes in physicochemical properties respectively. In control bedding, the values of water holding capacity enhanced significantly (P<0.05) by 1.28 fold, while organic carbon and C/N ratio decreased significantly (P<0.05) by 19.93% and 31.25% respectively after 60 days of composting.Working of E. fetida in the bedding material showed significant (P<0.001) difference in the level of pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, available phosphorous and available potassium. After 60 days of working of P. sansibaricus, these physicochemical properties of the bedding substrate also changed significantly (P<0.001). Analysis of vermibed showed a gradual increase in electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium by 1.51, 1.86, 1.95, 1.78 and 1.75 fold respectively. While the values of pH, organic carbon and C/N ratio declined by 9.30%, 41.80% and 71.48% respectively within 60 days of decomposition. Thus, E. fetida and P. sansibaricus can be applied for production of organic fertilizer of sesame chaff plus cow dung to fulfill the requirement of bio-fertilizers for organic farming and agro-waste management in arid environment.

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Impacts of Controlled Forest Fires on Soil Properties in Gadchiroli Forest Circle, Central India

Sustainability Agri Food and Environmental Research ◽

10.7770/safer-v0n0-art2253 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rahul Kamble

Keyword(s):

Electrical Conductivity ◽

Organic Matter ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Bulk Density ◽

Forest Fire ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Forest Fires ◽

Central India ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Water Holding

Forest is an important ecosystem service to human beings. In recent decades the forest is facing tremendous pressure from anthropogenic activities. One of the activities is the burning of forest floor for easy collection of non-timber forest produce. As a result of this number of incidences of forest fires has increased in the tribal-dominated area of the world. These forest fires have adverse impacts on soil properties which will ultimately in the long term have impacts on the forest ecosystem. Taking into consideration this fact this study was attempted to assess the impacts of controlled forest fires on the physicochemical properties of forest soil in the Gadchiroli forest circle of Central India. To assess the impacts six sampling sites from the forest where identified from the study area where no previous forest fire history was recorded in that season. Initial soil sampling before controlled forest fire was carried out in summer 2019 by quartering method in the topsoil layer (1-5 cm). A controlled forest fire was carried out in the same area. The soil was prepared for soil analysis and analysed by adopting standard methods for bulk density, water holding capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and organic matter. Results revealed that forest fires increase the bulk density of soil, at 50% (n = 3) sampling locations water holding capacity got reduced down; whereas, at other half increased in capacity was observed. In the case of soil pH 66% (n = 4) sample reported increased in soil pH and at other reduction in soil pH was recorded. Except at one sampling location electrical conductivity was reduced. A similar trend was also noticed for organic carbon and organic matter. Bulk density and water holding capacity will have long term impacts; whereas, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and organic matter will have short term impacts. Furthermore, in those sampling locations where forest fire does not occur in the last 2-3 years organic carbon and organic matter content of the soil is high. Thus, measures to be taken to reduce forest fires activities by incorporating an effective forest fire management system at a place by incorporating fire load management subsystem and fire suppression subsystem.

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Differential Organic Carbon Mineralization Responses to Soil Moisture in Three Different Soil Orders Under Mixed Forested System

Frontiers in Environmental Science ◽

10.3389/fenvs.2021.682450 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Shikha Singh ◽

Sindhu Jagadamma ◽

Junyi Liang ◽

Stephanie N. Kivlin ◽

Jeffrey D. Wood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Microbial Community ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Enzyme Activities ◽

Microbial Respiration ◽

Extracellular Enzyme ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Organic C ◽

Extracellular Enzyme Activities ◽

Water Holding

Soil microbial respiration is one of the largest sources of carbon (C) emissions to the atmosphere in terrestrial ecosystems, which is strongly dependent on multiple environmental variables including soil moisture. Soil moisture content is strongly dependent on soil texture, and the combined effects of texture and moisture on microbial respiration are complex and less explored. Therefore, this study examines the effects of soil moisture on the mineralization of soil organic C Soil organic carbon in three different soils, Ultisol, Alfisol and Vertisol, collected from mixed forests of Georgia, Missouri, and Texas, United States , respectively. A laboratory microcosm experiment was conducted for 90 days under different moisture regimes. Soil respiration was measured weekly, and destructive harvests were conducted at 1, 15, 60, and 90 days after incubation to determine extractable organic C (EOC), phospholipid fatty acid based microbial community, and C-acquiring hydrolytic extracellular enzyme activities (EEA). The highest cumulative respiration in Ultisol was observed at 50% water holding capacity (WHC), in Alfisol at 100% water holding capacity, and in Vertisol at 175% WHC. The trends in Extractable Organic Carbon were opposite to that of cumulative microbial respiration as the moisture levels showing the highest respiration showed the lowest EOC concentration in all soil types. Also, extracellular enzyme activities increased with increase in soil moisture in all soils, however, respiration and EEA showed a decoupled relationship in Ultisol and Alfisol soils. Soil moisture differences did not influence microbial community composition.

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Kualitas Fisik Daging Ayam Broiler yang Diberi Minyak Buah Merah dalam Pakan Komersial

Jurnal Ilmu dan Teknologi Peternakan Tropis ◽

10.33772/jitro.v6i1.5806 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 20

Author(s):

Abdul Rahman Ollong ◽

Rizki Arizona ◽

Rusli Badaruddin

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Broiler Chicken ◽

Ph Value ◽

Cooking Loss ◽

Water Holding Capacity ◽

Broiler Meat ◽

Fruit Oil ◽

Water Holding ◽

Range Test

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penambahan minyak buah merah (MBM) pada pakan terhadap kualitas fisik daging ayam broiler. Seratus ekor ayam broiler umur sehari (DOC) ditempatkan pada lima kelompok perlakuan pakan yang berbeda, yaitu: P1 (pakan kontrol/tanpa penambahan minyak), P2 (2% MBM), P3 (4% MBM), P4 (6% MBM) dan P5 (6% Minyak kelapa sawit). Setiap kelompok perlakuan terdiri dari empat ulangan masing-masing dengan lima ekor. Ayam broiler dipelihara selama 35 hari. Rancangan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) dengan analisis variansi pola searah dan diuji lanjut dengan Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semua variable yang diamati menunjukkan adanya pengaruh nyata (P<0,05) terhadap perlakuan yang diberikan. Dari hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan minyak buah merah (MBM) dalam pakan mampu memberikan pengaruh terhadap pH Daging, Daya Ikat Air (DIA), susut masak dan keempukan daging ayam broiler.Kata kunci : daging ayam broiler, daya ikat air, keempukan daging, pH daging, susut masakABSTRACT The experiment was conducted to study the effect of red fruit oil (RFO) onphysical quality of broiler chicken. One hundred day old chicken (DOC) were placed in four groups of different treatments, of from levels of RFO (P1 (diet without addition of RFO), P2 (2% RFO), P3 (4% RFO) and P4 (6% RFO) and P5 (6% Palm oil)). The treatment group consisted of fivereplications with five birds each. Broiler chickens were reared for 35 days. Statistical analysis used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and followed by Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that the pH value, moisture content, water holding capacity, and cooking loss was significant differences. It could be concluded that the addition of red fruit oil in the diet give effect of broiler chicken meat.Keywords: broiler meat, cooking loss, moisture content, pH value, water holding capacity

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