Relationships between soil organic matter and crop yield after biochar substrates application and their combination with mineral fertilizers on sandy soil

Abstract In this field study, under the soil conditions of southern Slovakia (Dolná Streda, sandy Haplic Arenosol), there were quantified the effects of biochar substrates (1. Effeco 50:50; 2. Effeco 33:33:33) in two rates (10 and 20 t.ha−1) applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilization on soil organic matter (SOM) content and crop yields for period of 3 years (2018-2020) but also the linear relationships between SOM and crop yields depending on the application of biochar substrates and its combination with mineral fertilizers. The results showed that the content of soil organic carbon (SOC) increased from 8.5 g.kg−1 in unfertilized control to 13.8 g.kg−1 in Effeco 33:33:33 at 20 t ha−1. However, SOC decreased from 13.6 g.kg−1 in fertilized control to 10.1 g.kg-1 in Effeco 50:50 at 10 t.ha−1. Biochar substrates and their combination with mineral fertilizers did not have a significant effect on changes in labile carbon in the soil. The effect on the crop yields was diametrically different in the first year after the application of biochar substrates compared to the second and third year. In the second and third year, the same trend was observed in the reaction to substrates – including a more robust effect on the increase in crop yields in the third year after the application of biochar substrates and also biochar substrates with mineral fertilizers. The linear relationships between SOC and crop yields were found only in biochar substrates alone treatments.

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European survey shows poor association between soil organic matter and crop yields

Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems ◽

10.1007/s10705-020-10098-2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 118 (3) ◽

pp. 325-334

Author(s):

Wytse J. Vonk ◽

Martin K. van Ittersum ◽

Pytrik Reidsma ◽

Laura Zavattaro ◽

Luca Bechini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Sugar Beet ◽

Significant Positive Correlation ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Crop Yields ◽

Carbon Sink ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Positive Correlation ◽

Farm Survey

AbstractA number of policies proposed to increase soil organic matter (SOM) content in agricultural land as a carbon sink and to enhance soil fertility. Relations between SOM content and crop yields however remain uncertain. In a recent farm survey across six European countries, farmers reported both their crop yields and their SOM content. For four widely grown crops (wheat, grain maize, sugar beet and potato), correlations were explored between reported crop yields and SOM content (N = 1264). To explain observed variability, climate, soil texture, slope, tillage intensity, fertilisation and irrigation were added as co-variables in a linear regression model. No consistent correlations were observed for any of the crop types. For wheat, a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between SOM and crop yields in the Continental climate, with yields being on average 263 ± 4 (95% CI) kg ha−1 higher on soils with one percentage point more SOM. In the Atlantic climate, a significant negative correlation was observed for wheat, with yields being on average 75 ± 2 (95%CI) kg ha−1 lower on soils with one percentage point more SOM (p < 0.05). For sugar beet, a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between SOM and crop yields was suggested for all climate zones, but this depended on a number of relatively low yield observations. For potatoes and maize, no significant correlations were observed between SOM content and crop yields. These findings indicate the need for a diversified strategy across soil types, crops and climates when seeking farmers’ support to increase SOM.

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Soil pH, Soil Organic Matter, and Crop Yields in Winter Wheat-Summer Fallow Systems

Agronomy Journal ◽

10.2134/agronj2016.08.0462 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 109 (2) ◽

pp. 706-717 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Rajan Ghimire ◽

Stephen Machado ◽

Prakriti Bista

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Winter Wheat ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Crop Yields ◽

Fallow Systems ◽

Summer Fallow

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Effect of systematic application of mineral fertilizers and long-term aftereffect of liming on the organic matter of light-grey forest soil

Agricultural science Euro-North-East ◽

10.30766/2072-9081.2020.21.2.160-168 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 160-168

Author(s):

N. A. Kodochilova ◽

T. S. Buzynina ◽

L. D. Varlamova ◽

E. A. Katerova

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Forest Soil ◽

Humus Content ◽

Total Carbon ◽

Mineral Fertilizers ◽

Fertilized Soil ◽

Grey Forest Soil ◽

Nizhny Novgorod Region

The studies on assessment of changes in the content and composition of soil organic matter under the influence of the systematic use of mineral fertilizers (NPK)1, (NPK)2, (NPK)3 against the background of the aftereffect of single liming in doses of 1.0 and 2.0 h. a. (control – variants without fertilizers and lime) were conducted in the conditions of the Nizhny Novgorod region in a long – term stationary experiment on light-grey forest soil. The research was carried out upon comple-tion of the fifth rotation of the eight-field crop rotation. The results of the study showed that for 40 years (from 1978 to 2018) the humus content in the soil (0-20 cm) decreased by 0.19-0.52 abs. % in variants as compared to the original (1.60 %); though, humus mineralization was less evident against the background of long-term use of mineral fertilizers compared to non-fertilized control. The higher humus content in the topsoil was noted in the variants with minimal (NPK)1 and increased (NPK)2 doses of fertilizer – 1.41 and 1.25 %, respectively. The humus content in non-fertilized soil and when applying high (NPK)3 doses of mineral fertilizers was almost identical – 1.08-1.09 %. The predominant group in the composition of humus were humic acids, the content of which in the experiment on average was 37.8 % of the total carbon with an evident decrease from 42.6 % in the control to 31.8% when applying increased doses of mineral fertilizers. The aftereffect of liming, carried out in 1978, was unstable and did not significantly affect the content and composition of soil organic matter.

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Differences in soil organic matter and humus of sandy soil after application of biochar substrates and combination of biochar substrates with mineral fertilizers

Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica ◽

10.15414/afz.2020.23.03.117-124 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 117-124

Author(s):

Dušan Šrank ◽

Vladimír Šimanský

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Carbon Content ◽

Humic Substances ◽

Sandy Soil ◽

The Other ◽

Mineral Fertilizers ◽

Other Hand ◽

Sheep Manure ◽

The Impact

The effort to achieve the sustainable farming system in arable soil led to the intensive search for a new solution but an inspiration can also be found in the application of traditional methods of soil fertility improvement as it is shown in numerous examples in history. Recently many scientific teams have focused their attention on the evaluation of biochar effects on soil properties and crop yields. Since there are a lot of knowledge gaps, especially in explanations how biochar can affect soil organic matter (SOM) and humus substances, we aimed this study at the solution of these questions. Therefore, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of two biochar substrates (B1 – biochar blended with sheep manure, and B2 – biochar blended with sheep manure and the residue from the biogas station) at two rates (10 and 20 t ha-1) applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilizers (Urea was applied in 2018, at rate 100 kg ha-1, and Urea at rate 100 kg ha-1 + AMOFOS NP 12-52 at 100 kg ha-1 were applied in 2019) on the quantity and quality of SOM and humus of sandy soil (Arenosol, Dolná Streda, Slovakia). The results showed that application of the biochar substrates together with mineral fertilizers (MF) had more pronounced effect on the organic matter mineralization in the sandy soil which resulted in low accumulation of soil organic carbon (Corg) and labile carbon compared to biochar substrates treatments without MF. The share of humic substances in Corg significantly decreased by 16, 50, 16 and 24% in B1 at 10 t ha-1, B1 at 20 t ha-1, B2 at 10 t ha-1 and B2 at 20 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. A similar tendency was observed for biochar substrates treatments + MF, compared to MF control. The carbon content of humic substances (CHS) was equal to 4.40 – 5.80 g kg-1 and the biochar substrates had statistically significant influence on CHS content. On average, there was a smaller decrease of CHS in B1 at rate 10 t ha-1 than at rate 20 t ha-1 and no effect of B2 compared to control. The carbon content of fulvic acid (CFA) was 9% higher in B1 at 10 t ha-1, and 20 t ha-1, 47% higher in B2 at 10 t ha-1 and 17% higher in B2 at 20 t ha-1 compared to control. As a result of biochar substrates + MF application, the reduction in CFA was observed. The results showed a decrease of CHA : CFA ratio with association to biochar substrates alone application compared to control on one hand, and a wider of CHA : CFA ratio in biochar substrates + MF treatments in comparison to MF control on the other hand. Humus stability was increased in biochar substrates alone treatments compared to control, on the other hand, compared to MF control, the application of biochar substrates + MF resulted in a lower humus stability.

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Regulation of priming effect by soil organic matter stability over a broad geographic scale

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-019-13119-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Leiyi Chen ◽

Li Liu ◽

Shuqi Qin ◽

Guibiao Yang ◽

Kai Fang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Priming Effect ◽

Basal Respiration ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

The Tibetan Plateau ◽

Geographic Scale ◽

Soil C ◽

Chemical Structures ◽

C Dynamics

Abstract The modification of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition by plant carbon (C) input (priming effect) represents a critical biogeochemical process that controls soil C dynamics. However, the patterns and drivers of the priming effect remain hidden, especially over broad geographic scales under various climate and soil conditions. By combining systematic field and laboratory analyses based on multiple analytical and statistical approaches, we explore the determinants of priming intensity along a 2200 km grassland transect on the Tibetan Plateau. Our results show that SOM stability characterized by chemical recalcitrance and physico-chemical protection explains more variance in the priming effect than plant, soil and microbial properties. High priming intensity (up to 137% of basal respiration) is associated with complex SOM chemical structures and low mineral-organic associations. The dependence of priming effect on SOM stabilization mechanisms should be considered in Earth System Models to accurately predict soil C dynamics under changing environments.

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Soil Management by Cover Crops in Vineyards for Climate Change Adaptation

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2019030026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

pp. 26

Author(s):

Marqués ◽

Bienes ◽

Ruiz-Colmenero

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Moisture ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Climate Change Adaptation ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Water Infiltration ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Grass Cover ◽

Rainfall Events

The wine captures grapes variety nature and vinification techniques, but other aspects of soil, climate and terrain are equally important for the terroir expression as a whole. Soil supplies moisture, nitrogen, and minerals. Particularly nitrogen obtained through mineralization of soil organic matter and water uptake are crucial for grape yield, berry sugar, anthocyanin and tannin concentration, hence grape quality and vineyard profitability. Different climatic conditions, which are predicted for the future, can significantly modify this relationship between vines and soils. New climatic conditions under global warming predict higher temperatures, erratic and extreme rainfall events, and drought spells. These circumstances are particularly worrisome for typical thin soils of the Mediterranean environment. This study reports the effect of permanent grass cover in vineyards to maintain or increase soil organic matter and soil moisture. The influence of natural and simulated rainfalls on soils was studied. A comparison between minimum tillage (MT) and permanent grass cover crop (GC) of the temperate grass Brachypodium distachyon was done. Water infiltration, water holding capacity, organic carbon sequestration and protection from extreme events, were considered in a sloping vineyard located in the south of Madrid, Spain. The MT is the most widely used cultivation method in the area. The tradition supports this management practice to capture and preserve water in soils. It creates small depressions that accumulate water and eventually improves water infiltration. This effect was acknowledged in summer after recent MT cultivation; however, it was only short-lived as surface roughness declined after rainfalls. Especially, intense rainfall events left the surface of bare soil sealed. Consequently, the effects depend on the season of the year. In autumn, a rainy season of the year, MT failed to enhance infiltration. On the contrary, B. distachyon acted as a physical barrier, produced more infiltration (22% increase) and fewer particles detachment, due to increased soil structure stability and soil organic matter (50% increase). The GC efficiently protected soil from high-intensity events (more than 2 mm min-1). Besides, soil moisture at 35 cm depth was enhanced with GC (9% more than tillage). On average, soil moisture in GC was not significantly different from MT. These effects of GC on soil conditions created local micro-environmental conditions that can be considered advantageous as a climate change adaptation strategy, because they improved water balance, maintained a sustainable level of soil organic matter, therefore organic nitrogen, all these factors crucial for improving wine quality.

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Particulate organic matter in soil under different management systems in the Brazilian Cerrado

Soil Research ◽

10.1071/sr12196 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 50 (8) ◽

pp. 685 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Arcângelo Loss ◽

Marcos Gervasio Pereira ◽

Adriano Perin ◽

Fernando Silva Coutinho ◽

Lúcia Helena Cunha dos Anjos

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

The Other ◽

Management Systems ◽

Soil Conditions ◽

Brazilian Cerrado ◽

Cerrado Vegetation ◽

No Till ◽

Planting System

The combination of the no-till planting system (NTS) and pasture (e.g. brachiaria grass, Urochloa sp.) for livestock production constitutes a crop–livestock integration (CLI) system. CLI systems significantly increase the total organic carbon (TOC) content of soil and the particulate organic carbon (POC) of soil organic matter (SOM). The present study evaluated TOC and the granulometric fractions of SOM under different management systems in a Cerrado area in the state of Goiás. Two areas applying crop rotation were evaluated, one using CLI (corn/brachiaria grass/bean/cotton/soybean planted sequentially) and the other NTS (sunflower/pearl millet/soybean/corn planted sequentially). A third area covered with natural Cerrado vegetation (Cerradão) served as a reference to determine original soil conditions. Soil was randomly sampled at 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm. The TOC, POC, and mineral-associated organic carbon (MOC) were assessed, and POC and MOC stocks calculated. The CLI system resulted in greater TOC levels than NTS (0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm). Compared with the Cerradão, CLI areas exhibited higher stocks of TOC (at 5–10 and 10–20 cm) and POC (at 0–40 cm). Results obtained for TOC and POC fractions show that land management with CLI was more efficient in increasing SOM than NTS. Moreover, when compared with NTS, the CLI system provided better POC stratification.

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Soil organic carbon fractions in a Vertisol under irrigated cotton production as affected by burning and incorporating cotton stubble

Soil Research ◽

10.1071/s97117 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 655 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

A. Conteh ◽

G. J. Blair ◽

I. J. Rochester

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Organic Matter Content ◽

Matter Content ◽

Total Carbon ◽

Cotton Production ◽

Labile Carbon ◽

Total N ◽

The Difference ◽

Organic Matter Fractions

The contribution of cotton stubble to the soil organic matter content of Vertisols under cotton production is not well understood. A 3-year experiment was conducted at the Australian Cotton Research Institute to study the effects of burning and incorporating cotton stubble on the recovery of fertiliser nitrogen (N), lint yield, and organic matter levels. This study reports on the changes in soil organic matter fractions as affected by burning and incorporating cotton stubble into the soil. Soil samples collected at the start and end of the 3-year experiment were analysed for total carbon (CT), total N (NT), and δ13C (a measure of 13C/12C isotopic ratios). Labile carbon (CL) was determined by ease of oxidation and non-labile carbon (CNL) was calculated as the difference between CT and CL. Based on the changes in CT, CL, and CNL, a carbon management index (CMI) was calculated. Further analyses were made for total polysaccharides (PT), labile polysaccharides (PL), and light fraction C (LF-C). Stubble management did not significantly affect the NT content of the soil. After 3 years, the stubble-incorporated plots had a significantly higher content of CT, CL, and polysaccharides. Incorporation of stubble into the soil increased the CMI by 41%, whereas burning decreased the CMI by 6%. The amount of LF-C obtained after 3 years in the stubble-incorporated soil was almost double that obtained in the stubble-burnt soil. It was concluded that for sustainable management of soil organic matter in the Vertisols used for cotton production, stubble produced in the system should be incorporated instead of burnt.

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SOIL ORGANIC MATTER, CROP YIELDS, AND LAND USE IN THE TEXAS BLACKLAND

Soil Science ◽

10.1097/00010694-195405000-00004 ◽

1954 ◽

Vol 77 (5) ◽

pp. 377-388 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

R. M. SMITH ◽

D. O. THOMPSON ◽

J. W. COLLIER ◽

R. J. HERVEY

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Crop Yields

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Soil respiration and soil organic matter pools in soils amended for 7 years with biochar combined with mineral and organic fertilizers

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-21181 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Iria Benavente-Ferraces ◽

Fátima Esteban ◽

Denis Courtier-Murias ◽

Ana Rey ◽

Claudio Zaccone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Matter ◽

Soil Organic Matter ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Soil Respiration ◽

Municipal Solid Waste ◽

Solid Waste ◽

Mineral Fertilizer ◽

Organic Fertilizers ◽

Mineral Fertilization ◽

Municipal Solid Waste Compost

Biochar application is now considered to be one of the most promising agricultural practices to mitigate climate change. However, to fully assess the benefits of biochar, we still need to better understand its effects on soil properties, and particularly on native soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics.In this work, we investigated soil respiration and changes in SOM pools (mineral-free, intra-aggregate, and mineral-associated SOM) as affected by the application of 20 t / ha per year of biochar alone or combined with mineral fertilizer, municipal solid waste compost, or sewage sludge. The experiment was run for 7 years in a semiarid agricultural soil. We found that biochar had no effect on soil respiration with respect to mineral fertilization and no amendment (control), and tended to decrease CO2 emissions from soils amended with municipal solid waste compost and sewage sludge. Biochar accumulated mainly in the mineral-free SOM fraction and its addition, especially in combination with municipal solid waste compost, promoted the amount of SOM occluded with aggregates and associated to mineral surfaces.Acknowledgments: to the Spanish MICINN (MINECO, AEI, FEDER, EU) for supporting the research project AGL2016-75762-R.

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