Woodchip biochar with or without synthetic fertilizers affects soil properties and available phosphorus in two alkaline, chernozemic soils

Fertility enhancement with biochar application is well documented for tropical acidic soils; however, benefits of biochar coapplied with synthetic fertilizers (SFs) on soil fertility are not well documented, particularly for alkaline chernozems. We examined the short-term interactive effects of woodchip biochar amendment with fertilizers on selected soil properties, available phosphorus (P), and P fractions of two alkaline Chernozems from Manitoba. Treatments were (1) urea and monoammonium phosphate fertilizers, (2) biochar at 10 g kg−1, (3) biochar at 20 g kg−1, (4) biochar at 10 g kg−1with fertilizers, (5) biochar at 20 g kg−1with fertilizers, and (6) a control. Treated soils were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and Olsen P concentration biweekly, and for P fractions, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (OC), and wet aggregate stability after 70 d of incubation. Biochar amendment without fertilizers significantly increased soil pH and CEC but had no effect on EC, while coapplication with fertilizers significantly increased Olsen P and labile P concentrations. When coapplied with fertilizers, biochar did not significantly increase soil pH relative to the control. Results suggest that biochar improved soil properties and available P in alkaline Chernozems, and the beneficial effects were enhanced when coapplied with SFs.

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Changes in Soil Properties and Bacterial Community Composition with Biochar Amendment after Six Years

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy10050746 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 746

Author(s):

Shuxiu Fan ◽

Jiacheng Zuo ◽

Hangyu Dong

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Community ◽

Soil Properties ◽

Community Composition ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Relative Abundance ◽

Bacterial Community Composition ◽

Soil Characteristics ◽

Total Carbon ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Biochar Amendment

Changes in soil physicochemical properties and bacterial community composition were investigated six years after biochar amendment at 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% (w/w), which were coded as C0, C1, C2 and C3, respectively. Results showed that some soil characteristics were sustainable, as they were still affected by biochar addition after six years. Compared to the control, biochar-treated soils had higher pH, total carbon (TC), C/N, total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK). Soil pH, C/N and the content of TC, TN and AK all increased along with the increase of biochar dosage. The results of Illumina MiSeq sequencing demonstrated that biochar enhanced soil bacteria diversity and modified the community composition over time. The relative abundance of Nitrospirae and Verrucomicrobia phylum increased but that of Acidobacteria phylum decreased significantly in biochar amended soils. The addition of biochar also enriched some bacterial genera, such as uncultured Nitrosomonadace, uncultured Gemmatimonadac, uncultured Nitrospiraceae and Magnetovibrio. In particular, the relative abundance of uncultured Nitrospiraceae was enhanced by 16.9%, 42.8% and 73.6% in C1, C2 and C3, respectively, compared to C0. Biochar has a potential role in enhancing the abundance of bacteria involved in N cycling. Soil pH, TC, TN, TK and AK, were closely related to alterations in the composition of the soil bacterial community. Meanwhile, these soil properties were significantly influenced by biochar amendment, which indicates that biochar affected the soil microbial community indirectly by altering the soil characteristics in the long term.

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Effects of Biochar on Properties of Tropical Sandy Soils Under Organic Agriculture

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v13n1p1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Nattaporn Prakongkep ◽

Robert J. Gilkes ◽

Worachart Wisawapipat ◽

Parapond Leksungnoen ◽

Chanida Kerdchana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soil Properties ◽

Sandy Soil ◽

Aggregate Stability ◽

Aggregate Size ◽

Sandy Soils ◽

Field Capacity ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Paired Samples ◽

Microbial Habitat

This study evaluated the influences of biochar made from local agricultural wastes on sandy soils in farmer fields where biochar has been used as a soil amendment for more than three years. The major objective of this study was to gain insight into the effects of long-term biochar application on properties of sandy soil. Unamended soil properties were compared to biochar-amended soils properties using the paired samples t-test (p < 0.05). The statistical results of the study indicated that cation exchange capacity, exchangeable potassium, available phosphorus, field capacity, plant available water, water-stable aggregate size fractions (> 1 and < 0.25 mm), median aggregate size and aggregate stability were significantly different at p < 0.05. Clearly, biochar present for 3 or more years can improve soil physicochemical properties. We conclude that sandy soil properties, especially soil physical properties, are very strongly affected by biochar application combined with conservative soil management. Biochars affect both physical and biological mechanisms of soil aggregate formation because the biochar particle sizes influence the arrangement of clay on biochar and biochar grains provide a favorable microbial habitat and food source for fungi creating microorganism-biochar-soil associations which enhance water-stable aggregates and water holding capacity.

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Improvement of Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Soil Properties by Growing Different Green Crops

The Agriculturists ◽

10.3329/agric.v12i2.21729 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 34-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ashim Kumar Saha ◽

Apu Biswas ◽

Abdul Qayyum Khan ◽

Md. Mohashin Farazi ◽

Md. Habibur Rahman

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Properties ◽

Total Nitrogen ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Nutritional Value ◽

Soil Health ◽

Critical Value ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Organic Carbon Content

Long-term tea cultivation has led to degradation of the soil. Old tea soils require rehabilitation for restoring soil health. Soil rehabilitation by growing different green crops can break the chain of monoculture of tea. An experiment was conducted at The Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI) Farm during 2008-2011 to find out the efficiency of different green crops on the improvement of soil properties. Four green crops such as Guatemala, Citronella, Mimosa and Calopogonium were grown to develop the nutritional value of the degraded tea soil. Soil samples were collected and analyzed before and at the end of experiment. Soil pH was increased in all four green crops treated plots with the highest increase in Citronella treated plots (from 4.1 to 4.5). Highest content of organic carbon (1.19%) and total nitrogen (0.119%) were found in Mimosa and Calopogonium treated plots, respectively. Concentration of available phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in all green crops treated plots were above the critical values, while available potassium content was above the critical value in Guatemala, Citronella and Mimosa treated plots. Changes in soil pH and available potassium were significant, while changes in organic carbon content, total nitrogen and available calcium were insignificant. Changes in available phosphorus and magnesium were significant. The Agriculturists 2014; 12(2) 34-38

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Adsorption of Copper in Soil and its Dependence on Physical and Chemical Properties

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis ◽

10.11118/actaun201866010219 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 66 (1) ◽

pp. 219-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vítězslav Vlček ◽

Miroslav Pohanka

Keyword(s):

Soil Properties ◽

Solid Phase ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Total Content ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Soil Reaction ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Copper Adsorption ◽

Phosphorus And Potassium ◽

Physical And Chemical

Soil samples (n = 11) were collected in the chernozem areas of the Czech Republic (the Central Europe) from the topsoil and used as representative samples. All sampling areas have been used for agricultural purposes (arable soil) and they were selected as typical representatives of agricultural soil. These samples represented the soil with same genesis (to reduction differencies between soil types) but with different soil properties (physical and chemical). Complete chemical and physical analyses were made for confirmation of copper adsorption on solid phase: we analysed the particle size distribution, content of oxidizable carbon (Cox), the cation exchange capacity (CEC), supply of exchange calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and potassium, soil reaction and the total supply of Fe, Al, Mn, Ca, Mg, K, P and N. The strongest simple correlation between analysed soil properties and copper concentration had content of available magnesium (r = 0.44) and available phosphorus (r = −0.51). In the case of multiple correlations (i. e. collective influence of multiple soil properties) had the strongest influence combination of clay, soil reaction, total content of phosphorus, available magnesium and available phosphorus. The main influence of phosphorus and magnesium is evident. We suppose that copper and phosphorus enter into specific complex. Influence of these five soil properties can explain 92.7 % (r = 0.927) changes in the content of copper changes in the experiment.

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Liming Effects of Sawdust Ash and Lime on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Yield in Acidic Soil of Southeastern Nigeria

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science ◽

10.9734/ijpss/2019/v28i530121 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

C. V. Ogbenna ◽

V. E. Osodeke

Keyword(s):

Soil Ph ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Acidic Soil ◽

Soil Chemical Properties ◽

Growth And Yield ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Yield Data ◽

Southeastern Nigeria ◽

Head Weight

Aim: A pot experiment was carried out to determine the effect of sawdust ash and lime (Ca(OH)2) on soil characteristics and yield of sunflower in acidic soil of southeastern Nigeria. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, using sawdust ash (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 t ha-1) as the sub plot and lime (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 t ha-1) as the main plot. Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted outdoors at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Nigeria, during the 2010 planting season. Materials and Methods: Treatment combinations were applied to the 60 buckets containing soil, mixed thoroughly and watered adequately. After 1 week of treatment application, two sunflower seeds were planted and later thinned to one seedling per bucket. Plant growth and yield data were collected. Pre planting and post-harvest soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil properties. Results: Results showed that with the exception of organic carbon there was significant effect of treatments on all soil chemical properties. Lime and sawdust ash (SDA) as single and combined treatments significantly increased total nitrogen (P=0.05), available phosphorus (P<0.010), and base saturation (P<0.012). The interaction between SDA and lime significantly (P=0.05) increased total exchangeable bases and effective cation exchange capacity, while soil pH was significantly increased (P=0.05) by single applications. The increases in soil chemical properties led to significant positive response of the sunflower. With the exception of number of leaves, other plant parameters (Plant height, stem diameter, head weight, 50 seed weight, head diameter) had significant increases for sawdust ash alone at P=0.05. Correlation studies showed positive significant relationship between soil pH and sunflower yield. Conclusion: The study showed that sunflower performed best at the combination of 3 tha-1 SDA and 1.5 t ha-1 lime producing a mean head weight of 45.4 g.

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IMPACT OF AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS ON SOIL EROSION PROCESSES AND SOIL PROPERTIES ON HILLY LANDSCAPE IN WESTERN LITHUANIA

Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management ◽

10.3846/16486897.2015.1054289 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 60-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gintaras JARAŠIŪNAS ◽

Irena KINDERIENĖ

Keyword(s):

Soil Erosion ◽

Soil Properties ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Soil Texture ◽

Sandy Loam ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

The Impact

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different land use systems on soil erosion rates, surface evolution processes and physico-chemical properties on a moraine hilly topography in Lithuania. The soil of the experimental site is Bathihypogleyi – Eutric Albeluvisols (abe–gld–w) whose texture is a sandy loam. After a 27-year use of different land conservation systems, three critical slope segments (slightly eroded, active erosion and accumulation) were formed. Soil physical properties of the soil texture and particle sizes distribution were examined. Chemical properties analysed for were soil ph, available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N). We estimated the variation in thickness of the soil Ap horizon and soil physico-chemical properties prone to a sustained erosion process. During the study period (2010–2012) water erosion occurred under the grain– grass and grass–grain crop rotations, at rates of 1.38 and 0.11 m3 ha–1 yr–1, respectively. Soil exhumed due to erosion from elevated positions accumulated in the slope bottom. As a result, topographic transfiguration of hills and changes in soil properties occurred. However, the accumulation segments of slopes had significantly higher silt/clay ratios and SOC content. In the active erosion segments a lighter soil texture and lower soil ph were recorded. Only long-term grassland completely stopped soil erosion effects; therefore geomorphologic change and degradation of hills was estimated there as minimal.

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Does thermal carbonization (Biochar) of organic material increase more merits for their amendments of sandy soil?

Solid Earth Discussions ◽

10.5194/sed-6-535-2014 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 535-558 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Y. Wu ◽

G. Xu ◽

J. N. Sun ◽

H. B. Shao

Keyword(s):

Soil Ph ◽

Saline Soil ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Low Fertility ◽

Available P ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Furfural Residue ◽

Leaching Solution ◽

Physical And Chemical

Abstract. Organic materials (e.g. furfural residue) are generally believed to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soils with low fertility. Recently, biochar have been received more attention as a possible measure to improve the carbon balance and improve soil quality in some degraded soils. However, little is known about their different amelioration of a sandy saline soil. In this study, 56d incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of furfural and its biochar on the properties of saline soil. The results showed that both furfural and biochar greatly reduced pH, increased soil organic carbon (SOC) content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and enhanced the available phosphorus (P) in the soil. Furfural is more efficient than biochar in reducing pH: 5% furfural lowered the soil pH by 0.5–0.8 (soil pH: 8.3–8.6), while 5% biochar decreased by 0.25–0.4 due to the loss of acidity in pyrolysis process. With respect to available P, 5% of the furfural addition increased available P content by 4–6 times in comparison to 2–5 times with biochar application. In reducing soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), biochar is slightly superior to furfural because soil ESP reduced by 51% and 43% with 5% furfural and 5% biochar addition at the end of incubation. In addition, no significant differences were observed between furfural and biochar about their capacity to retain N, P in leaching solution and to increase CEC in soil. These facts may be caused by the relatively short incubation time. In general, furfural and biochar have different amendments depending on soil properties: furfural was more effectively to decrease pH and to increase available P, whereas biochar played a more important role in increasing SOC and reducing ESP of saline soil.

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Spatial mapping of soil properties in Konkan region of India experiencing anthropogenic onslaught

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0247177 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. e0247177

Author(s):

Ram Ratan Verma ◽

Tapendra Kumar Srivastava ◽

Pushpa Singh ◽

B. L. Manjunath ◽

Anil Kumar

Keyword(s):

Soil Properties ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Management Practices ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Spatial Mapping ◽

Available N ◽

Management Zones ◽

Mean Values ◽

Wide Range ◽

Fe And Mn

Soils of Indian Konkan region, part of ecologically sensitive Western Ghats have been subjected to anthropogenic activities of late. This has endangered the ecological security through conspicuous losses in topsoil quality. The rationale of the present study was to map the soil properties and create management zones for ensuring food and nutritional security. The study was conducted in South Goa district of the state of Goa located in Konkan region. A total of 258 geo-referenced soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, EC, SOC, available N, P, K and DTPA extractable micronutrients viz., Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. Soil pH was found to be in acidic range. A wide variability existed in SOC content ranging from 0.12–5.85%. EC was mostly neutral with mean value 0.08±0.37 dSm-1, while available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) varied in range from 56.4–621.6 kg ha-1, 0.5–49.7 kg ha-1 and 31.5–786.2 kg ha-1 with mean values 211.2±76.9, 8.4±8.2 and 202.3±137.6 kg ha-1, respectively. A wide range was exhibited by cationic DTPA extractable Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn with mean values, 0.22±0.30, 0.44±0.60, 7.78±5.98 and 7.86±5.86 mg kg-1, respectively. Soil pH exhibited significant positive correlation with EC, AP AK and Zn and negative correlation with Fe and Cu. SOC exhibited significantly correlated with AN, AP, AK, Zn and Fe. Geo-statistical analysis revealed J-Bessel as best fit semivariogram model for pH, AP and AK; Rational Quadratic for EC, SOC, Zn and Mn; Hole effect for AN; Stable for Cu and K-Bessel for Fe for their spatial mapping. Four principal components showed eigenvalues more than one and cumulative variability of 59.38%. Three distinct soil management zones showing significant variation in soil properties were identified and delineated for wider scale management of soils. Precision nutrient management based on spatial variation and their mapping would enable refined agricultural and environmental management practices in the region.

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Spatial variability of uncultivated soils in derived savanna

International Agrophysics ◽

10.2478/v10247-012-0068-9 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 57-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

S.E. Obalum ◽

J. Oppong ◽

C.A. Igwe ◽

Y. Watanabe ◽

M.E. Obi

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Spatial Variability ◽

Soil Properties ◽

Cation Exchange ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Cation Exchange Capacity ◽

Exchange Capacity ◽

Organic Matter Concentration ◽

Derived Savanna ◽

Matter Concentration

Abstract The spatial variability of some physicochemical properties of topsoils/subsoils under secondary forest, grassland fallow, and bare-soil fallow of three locations was evaluated. The data were analyzed and described using classical statistical parameters. Based on the coefficient of variation, bulk density, total porosity, 60-cm-tension moisture content, and soil pH were of low variability. Coarse and fine sand were of moderate variability. Highly variable soil properties included silt, clay, macroporosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, organic matter concentration, and cation exchange capacity. Overall, soil pH and silt varied the least and the most, respectively. Relative weighting showed that location dominantly influenced the soil variability, except for soil porosity and organic matter concentration influenced mostly by land use. Most of the soil data were normally distributed; others were positively skewed and/or kurtotic. The minimum number of samples (at 25 samples ha-1) required to estimate mean values of soil properties was highly soil property-specific, ranging from 1 (topsoil pH-H2O) to 246 (topsoil silt). Cation exchange capacity of subsoils related fairly strongly with cation exchange capacity of topsoils (R2 = 0.63). Spatial variability data can be used to extrapolate dynamic soil properties across a derived-savanna landscape.

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