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Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable...
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Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2019) | Viewed by 86507

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. José De la Rosa

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Guest Editor
Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IRNAS-CSIC), Reina Mercedes Av. 10, 41012 Seville, Spain
Interests: climate and environment; carbon sequestration; soil quality; soil organic matter; soil amendments; biochar; analytical and applied pyrolysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is an imperative necessity of sustainable management for the increasing quantity of organic waste. In this sense, pyrolysis or carbonization (the thermal decomposition of biomass under low or no oxygen supply) offers a promising approach for managing carbon-rich wastes, such as sewage sludge, pulp and paper industry residues, or crop residues, and to create added value coproducts, such as biochar.

The benefits of biochar as a soil ameliorant have been profusely studied, but the knowledge concerning its effects on soil properties and composition is still limited. Furthermore, the role of pyrolysis products within the concept of circular economy still has to be assessed. This need for information is increased by the great variability of composition and properties of the produced biochars and their dependence on pyrolysis conditions, feedstock nature, and additives.

This Special Issue pursues to motivate discussion on this issue by bringing together scientists from the diverse fields of soil, applied pyrolysis, resources management, agronomy, and carbon dynamics.

Dr. José María de la Rosa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Production and analytical characterization of biochar and pyrogenic organic matter
  • Soil properties
  • Soil amendment
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Resource management

Published Papers (16 papers)

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11 pages, 1015 KiB  
Article
Response of Ancient and Modern Wheat Varieties to Biochar Application: Effect on Hormone and Gene Expression Involved in Germination and Growth
by Marco Racioppi, Maria Tartaglia, José María De la Rosa, Mauro Marra, Elisa Lopez-Capel and Mariapina Rocco
Agronomy 2020, 10(1), 5; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy10010005 - 18 Dec 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2821
Abstract
Agriculture has changed dramatically due to mechanization, new technologies, and the increased use of chemical fertilizers. These factors maximize production and reduce food prices, but may also enhance soil degradation. Sustainable agricultural practices include altering crop varieties and the use of soil amendments [...] Read more.
Agriculture has changed dramatically due to mechanization, new technologies, and the increased use of chemical fertilizers. These factors maximize production and reduce food prices, but may also enhance soil degradation. Sustainable agricultural practices include altering crop varieties and the use of soil amendments to increase production, improve irrigation, and more effectively use fertilizers. Ancient and modern durum wheat varieties have been shown to be tolerant to conditions caused by climate change and increase production. Biochar soil amendments have been reported to increase crop yields, soil fertility, and to promote plant growth. However, results are variable depending on biomass source, application conditions, and crop species. This study evaluates the crop response of two contrasting durum wheat varieties on an Eutric Cambisol amended with beech wood biochar. Wheat varieties used are Saragolla, an ancient variety traditionally used in Southern Italy, and Svevo, a widely used commercial variety. The effect of biochar soil amendment on the expression of genes involved in the germination of these two varieties of wheat was determined using RT-PCR. The content of hormones such as gibberellins (GAs), auxins (IAA), and abscisic acid (ABA) was determined. Results demonstrate that biochar had a stimulatory effect on the growth performances of Svevo and Saragolla cultivars at the molecular level. This correlated to the promoted transcription of genes involved in the control of plant development. Overall, the presence of biochar as soil amendment improved the germination rates of both varieties, but the ancient wheat cultivar was better suited to the Eutric Cambisol than the commercial variety. This trend was also observed in un-amended pots, which may indicate better adaptability of the ancient wheat cultivar to withstand environmental stress than the commercial variety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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10 pages, 775 KiB  
Article
Biochar Effects on Soil Properties and Wheat Biomass vary with Fertility Management
by Prakriti Bista, Rajan Ghimire, Stephen Machado and Larry Pritchett
Agronomy 2019, 9(10), 623; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9100623 - 10 Oct 2019
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 9994
Abstract
Biochar can improve soil health and crop productivity. We studied the response of soil properties and wheat growth to four rates of wood biochar (0, 11.2, 22.4, and 44.8 Mg ha−1) and two fertilizer rates [no fertilizer and fertilizer (90 kg [...] Read more.
Biochar can improve soil health and crop productivity. We studied the response of soil properties and wheat growth to four rates of wood biochar (0, 11.2, 22.4, and 44.8 Mg ha−1) and two fertilizer rates [no fertilizer and fertilizer (90 kg N ha−1, 45 kg P ha−1, and 20 kg S ha−1)]. Biochar application increased soil organic matter (SOM), soil pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S) contents, and the shoot and root biomass of wheat. However, these responses were observed at biochar rates below 22.4 Mg ha−1, particularly in treatments without fertilizer. In fertilizer-applied treatments, soil nitrate levels decreased with an increase in biochar rates, mainly due to better crop growth and high nitrate uptake. However, without N addition, the high C:N ratio (500:1) possibly increased nutrient tie-up, reduced plant biomass, and SOM buildup at the highest biochar rate. Based on these results, we recommend biochar rates of about 22.4 Mg ha−1 and below for Walla Walla silt loams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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16 pages, 1993 KiB  
Article
Understanding Activation Effects on Low-Temperature Biochar for Optimization of Herbicide Sorption
by Beatriz Gámiz, Kathleen Hall, Kurt A. Spokas and Lucia Cox
Agronomy 2019, 9(10), 588; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9100588 - 27 Sep 2019
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4157
Abstract
Activation treatments are often used as a means of increasing a biochar’s sorption capacity for agrochemical compounds but can also provide valuable insight into sorption mechanisms. This work investigates the effects of H2O2 activation on a low-temperature (350 °C) grape [...] Read more.
Activation treatments are often used as a means of increasing a biochar’s sorption capacity for agrochemical compounds but can also provide valuable insight into sorption mechanisms. This work investigates the effects of H2O2 activation on a low-temperature (350 °C) grape wood biochar, evaluates subsequent changes to the removal efficiency (RE) of cyhalofop and clomazone, and elucidates potential sorption mechanisms. Activation by H2O2 decreased the biochar pH, ash content, and C content. Additionally, the biochar O content and surface area increased following activation, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) data suggested a slight increase in surface O groups and a decrease in aliphatic C. Cyhalofop RE significantly increased following activation, while clomazone RE was unchanged. The increased sorption of cyhalofop was attributed to pH effects and charge-based interactions with biochar O moieties. Results from this study suggest that H2O2 activation treatments on low-temperature biochars may improve the removal of organic acid herbicides but are of little value in optimizing the removal of polar, non-ionizable herbicides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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15 pages, 958 KiB  
Article
Carbon Dynamics and Fertility in Biochar-Amended Soils with Excessive Compost Application
by Chen-Chi Tsai and Yu-Fang Chang
Agronomy 2019, 9(9), 511; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9090511 - 05 Sep 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3277
Abstract
In Taiwan, farmers often apply excessive compost to ensure adequate crop yield in frequent tillage, highly weathered, and lower fertility soils. The potential of biochar (BC) to decrease soil C mineralization and improve soil nutrient availability in excessive compost application soil is promising, [...] Read more.
In Taiwan, farmers often apply excessive compost to ensure adequate crop yield in frequent tillage, highly weathered, and lower fertility soils. The potential of biochar (BC) to decrease soil C mineralization and improve soil nutrient availability in excessive compost application soil is promising, but under-examined. To test this, a 434-day incubation experiment of in vitro C mineralization kinetics was conducted. We added 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% (w/w) woody BC composed of lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de. Wit) to one Oxisol and two Inceptisols in Taiwan. In each treatment, 5% swine manure compost was added to serve as excessive application. The results indicated that soil type strongly influences the impact of BC addition on soil carbon mineralization potential. Respiration per unit of total organic carbon (total mineralization coefficient) of the three studied soils significantly decreased with increase in BC addition. Principal component analysis suggested that to retain more plant nutrients in addition to the effects of carbon sequestration, farmers could use locally produced biochars and composts in highly weathered and highly frequent tillage soil. Adding 0.5% woody BC to Taiwan rural soils should be reasonable and appropriate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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21 pages, 1298 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Vineyard By-Products to Obtain Composted Digestate and Biochar Suitable for Nursery Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Production
by Domenico Ronga, Enrico Francia, Giulio Allesina, Simone Pedrazzi, Massimo Zaccardelli, Catello Pane, Aldo Tava and Cristina Bignami
Agronomy 2019, 9(8), 420; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9080420 - 01 Aug 2019
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3950
Abstract
Although compost and biochar received high attention as growing media, little information is available on the potential of vineyard by-products for the production and use of composted solid digestate (CSD) and biochar (BC). In the present study, two experiments are reported on CSD [...] Read more.
Although compost and biochar received high attention as growing media, little information is available on the potential of vineyard by-products for the production and use of composted solid digestate (CSD) and biochar (BC). In the present study, two experiments are reported on CSD and BC mixed with commercial peat (CP) for grapevine planting material production. Four doses (0, 10%, 20%, 40% vol.) of CSD and BC were assessed in the first and second experiment, respectively. CSD mixed at a dose of 10% recorded the highest values of shoot dry weight (SDW) and a fraction of total dry biomass allocated to shoot (FTS), both cropping bench-graft and bare-rooted vine. On the other hand, CSD mixed at a dose of 40% displayed the highest values of SDW and FTS, cropping two-year-old vine. BC used at a dose of 10% improved SDW, root dry weight, total dry weight, FTS, shoot diameter, and height on bare-rooted vine. The present study shows that CSD and BC, coming from the valorization of vineyard by-products, can be used in the production of innovative growing media suitable for nursery grapevine production. Further studies are needed to assess the combined applications of CSD and BC in the same growing media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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16 pages, 1718 KiB  
Article
Charcoal Fine Residues Effects on Soil Organic Matter Humic Substances, Composition, and Biodegradability
by Otávio dos Anjos Leal, Deborah Pinheiro Dick, José María de la Rosa, Daniela Piaz Barbosa Leal, José A. González-Pérez, Gabriel Soares Campos and Heike Knicker
Agronomy 2019, 9(7), 384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9070384 - 16 Jul 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4459
Abstract
Biochar has been shown as a potential mean to enhance carbon sequestration in the soil. In Brazil, approximately 15% of the produced charcoal is discarded as charcoal fines, which are chemically similar to biochar. Therefore, we aimed to test charcoal fines as a [...] Read more.
Biochar has been shown as a potential mean to enhance carbon sequestration in the soil. In Brazil, approximately 15% of the produced charcoal is discarded as charcoal fines, which are chemically similar to biochar. Therefore, we aimed to test charcoal fines as a strategy to increase soil carbon sequestration. Charcoal fines of hardwood Mimosa scabrella were incorporated into a Cambisol down to 10 cm (T1 = 0 and T4 = 40 Mg ha−1) in Southern Brazil. Soil samples were collected (0–30 cm) 20 months after charcoal amendment. Soil organic matter (SOM) acid extract, humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin fractions were separated. Solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra from charcoal and SOM in T1 and T4 were obtained before and after 165 days of incubation under controlled conditions. Charcoal increased soil carbon as fulvic (10–20 cm) and humic acids (10–30 cm) and, especially, as humin (0–5 cm), which probably occurred due to the hydrophobic character of the charcoal. The 13C NMR spectra and mean residence times (MRT) measured from incubation essays indicated that the charred material decomposed relatively fast and MRT of T1 and T4 samples were similar. It follows that the charcoal fines underwent similar decomposition as SOM, despite the high charcoal dose applied to the soil and the high aryl C contribution (78%) to the total 13C intensity of the charcoal NMR spectra. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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12 pages, 1698 KiB  
Article
Hydrothermal Carbonization and Pyrolysis of Sewage Sludge: Effects on Lolium perenne Germination and Growth
by Marina Paneque, Heike Knicker, Jürgen Kern and José María De la Rosa
Agronomy 2019, 9(7), 363; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9070363 - 09 Jul 2019
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 3648
Abstract
The pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sewage sludge (SS) resulted in products free of pathogens, with the potential for being used as soil amendment. With this work, we evaluated the impact of dry pyrolysis-treated (600 °C, 1 h) and HTC-treated (200 °C, [...] Read more.
The pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sewage sludge (SS) resulted in products free of pathogens, with the potential for being used as soil amendment. With this work, we evaluated the impact of dry pyrolysis-treated (600 °C, 1 h) and HTC-treated (200 °C, 260 °C; 0.5 h, 3 h) SS on the germination, survival, and growth of Lolium perenne during an 80 day greenhouse experiment. Therefore, the hydrochars and pyrochars were amended to a Calcic Cambisol at doses of 5 and 25 t ha−1. The addition of sludge pyrochars to the Cambisol did not affect Lolium germination, survival rates or plant yields. However, the use 25 t ha−1 of wood biochar reduced germination and survival rates, which may be related to the low N availability of this sample. In comparison to the control, higher or equal plant biomass was produced in the hydrochar-amended pots, even though some hydrochars decreased plant germination and survival rates. Among all the evaluated char properties, only the organic and inorganic N contents of the chars, along with their organic C values, positively correlated with total and shoot biomass production. Our work demonstrates the N fertilization potential of the hydrochar produced at low temperature, whereas the hydrochar produced at 260 °C and the pyrochars were less efficient with respect to plant yields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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17 pages, 1240 KiB  
Article
Hydrochar-Amended Substrates for Production of Containerized Pine Tree Seedlings under Different Fertilization Regimes
by Samieh Eskandari, Ali Mohammadi, Maria Sandberg, Rolf Lutz Eckstein, Kjell Hedberg and Karin Granström
Agronomy 2019, 9(7), 350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9070350 - 02 Jul 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4575
Abstract
There is a growing body of research that recognizes the potentials of biochar application in agricultural production systems. However, little is known about the effects of biochar, especially hydrochar, on production of containerized seedlings under nursery conditions. This study aimed to test the [...] Read more.
There is a growing body of research that recognizes the potentials of biochar application in agricultural production systems. However, little is known about the effects of biochar, especially hydrochar, on production of containerized seedlings under nursery conditions. This study aimed to test the effects of hydrochar application on growth, quality, nutrient and heavy metal contents, and mycorrhizal association of containerized pine seedlings. The hydrochar used in this study was produced through hydrothermal carbonization of paper mill biosludge at 200 °C. Two forms of hydrochar (powder and pellet) were mixed with peat at ratios of 10% and 20% (v/v) under three levels of applied commercial fertilizer (nil, half and full rates). Application of hydrochar had positive or neutral effects on shoot biomass and stem diameter compared with control seedlings (without hydrochar) under tested fertilizer levels. Analysis of the natural logarithmic response ratios (LnRR) of quality index and nutrient and heavy metal uptake revealed that application of 20% (v/v) hydrochar powder or pellet with 50% fertilizer resulted in same quality pine seedlings with similar heavy metal (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr) and nutrient (P, K, Ca and Mg) contents as untreated seedlings supplied with 100% fertilizer. Colonization percentage by ectomycorrhizae significantly increased when either forms of hydrochar were applied at a rate of 20% under unfertilized condition. The results of this study implied that application of proper rates of hydrochar from biosludge with adjusted levels of liquid fertilizer may reduce fertilizer requirements in pine nurseries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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16 pages, 1243 KiB  
Article
ACC Deaminase Producing PGPR Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Agrobacterium fabrum along with Biochar Improve Wheat Productivity under Drought Stress
by Muhammad Zafar-ul-Hye, Subhan Danish, Mazhar Abbas, Maqshoof Ahmad and Tariq Muhammad Munir
Agronomy 2019, 9(7), 343; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9070343 - 29 Jun 2019
Cited by 112 | Viewed by 9333
Abstract
Drought stress retards wheat plant’s vegetative growth and physiological processes and results in low productivity. A stressed plant synthesizes ethylene which inhibits root elongation; however, the enzyme 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate (ACC) deaminase catabolizes ethylene produced under water stress. Therefore, the ACC deaminase producing plant growth [...] Read more.
Drought stress retards wheat plant’s vegetative growth and physiological processes and results in low productivity. A stressed plant synthesizes ethylene which inhibits root elongation; however, the enzyme 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate (ACC) deaminase catabolizes ethylene produced under water stress. Therefore, the ACC deaminase producing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can be used to enhance crop productivity under drought stress. Biochar (BC) is an organically active and potentially nutrient-rich amendment that, when applied to the soil, can increase pore volume, cation exchange capacity and nutrient retention and bioavailability. We conducted a field experiment to study the effect of drought tolerant, ACC deaminase producing PGPR (with and without timber waste BC) on plant growth and yield parameters under drought stress. Two PGPR strains, Agrobacterium fabrum or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens were applied individually and in combination with 30 Mg ha−1 BC under three levels of irrigation, i.e., recommended four irrigations (4I), three irrigations (3I) and two irrigations (2I). Combined application of B. amyloliquefaciens and 30 Mg ha−1 BC under 3I, significantly increased growth and yield traits of wheat: grain yield (36%), straw yield (50%), biological yield (40%). The same soil application under 2I resulted in greater increases in several of the growth and yield traits: grain yield (77%), straw yield (75%), above- and below-ground biomasses (77%), as compared to control; however, no significant increases in chlorophyll a, b or total, and photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance in response to individual inoculation of a PGPR strain (without BC) were observed. Therefore, we suggest that the combined soil application of B. amyloliquefaciens and BC more effectively mitigates drought stress and improves wheat productivity as compared to any of the individual soil applications tested in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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14 pages, 1569 KiB  
Article
Addition of Biochar to a Sandy Desert Soil: Effect on Crop Growth, Water Retention and Selected Properties
by Khaled D. Alotaibi and Jeff J. Schoenau
Agronomy 2019, 9(6), 327; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9060327 - 20 Jun 2019
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 5688
Abstract
Agricultural and environmental applications of biochar (BC) to soils have received increasing attention as a possible means of improving productivity and sustainability. Most previous studies have focused on tropical soils and more recently temperate soils. However, benefits of BC addition to desert soils [...] Read more.
Agricultural and environmental applications of biochar (BC) to soils have received increasing attention as a possible means of improving productivity and sustainability. Most previous studies have focused on tropical soils and more recently temperate soils. However, benefits of BC addition to desert soils where many productivity constraints exist, especially water limitations, have not been widely explored. Thus, three experiments were designed using a desert soil from Saudi Arabia to address three objectives: (1) to evaluate the effect of BCs produced from date palm residues added at 8 t ha−1 on wheat growth, (2) to determine the effect of BC addition and BC aging in soil on water retention, and (3) to reveal the effect of BC on selected soil physical (bulk density, BD; total porosity; TP) and chemical (pH; electrical conductivity, EC; organic matter, OM; cation exchange capacity, CEC) properties. The feedstock (FS) of date palm residues were pyrolyzed at 300, 400, 500, and 600 °C, referred to here as BC300, BC400, BC500, and BC600, respectively. The BC products produced at low temperatures were the most effective in promoting wheat growth when applied with the NPK fertilizer and in enhancing soil water retention, particularly with aging in soil, whereas high -temperature BCs better improved the selected soil physical properties. The low-temperature BCs increased the yield approximately by 19% and improved water retention by 46% when averaged across the incubation period. Higher water retention observed with low-temperature BCs can be related to an increased amount of oxygen-containing functional groups in the low-temperature BCs, rendering BC surfaces less hydrophobic. Only the BC300 treatment showed a consistent positive impact on pH, OM, and CEC. Pyrolysis temperature of date palm residue along with aging are key factors in determining the potential benefit of BC derived from date palm residues added to sandy desert soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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13 pages, 562 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Biochar and Solid Digestate on Rose-Scented Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.) Productivity and Essential Oil Quality
by Alessandro Calamai, Enrico Palchetti, Alberto Masoni, Lorenzo Marini, David Chiaramonti, Camilla Dibari and Lorenzo Brilli
Agronomy 2019, 9(5), 260; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9050260 - 22 May 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5536
Abstract
In recent years, biochar has generated global interest in the areas of sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation. The main positive effects of biochar were observed to be the most remarkable when nutrient-rich feedstock was used as the initial pyrolysis material (i.e., anaerobic digestate). [...] Read more.
In recent years, biochar has generated global interest in the areas of sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation. The main positive effects of biochar were observed to be the most remarkable when nutrient-rich feedstock was used as the initial pyrolysis material (i.e., anaerobic digestate). In this study, the influence of solid anaerobic digestate and biochar that was produced by the slow pyrolysis of solid digestate was evaluated by comparing the differences in the crop growth performances of Pelargonium graveolens. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse while using three different growth media (i.e., solid digestate, biochar, and vermiculite). The results indicated that: (i) the pyrolysis of solid digestate caused a reduction in the bulk density (−52%) and an increase in the pH (+16%) and electrical conductivity (+9.5%) in the derived biochar; (ii) the best crop performances (number of leaves, number of total branches, and plant dry weight) were found using biochar, particularly for plant dry weight (+11.4%) and essential oil content (+9.4%); (iii) the essential oil quality was slightly affected by the growth media; however, the main chemical components were found within the acceptable range that was set by international standard trade; and, iv) biochar induced the presence of leaf chlorosis in Pelargonium graveolens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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13 pages, 2402 KiB  
Article
Use of Carbonized Fallen Leaves of Jatropha Curcas L. as a Soil Conditioner for Acidic and Undernourished Soil
by Takafumi Konaka, Shin Yabuta, Charles Mazereku, Yoshinobu Kawamitsu, Hisashi Tsujimoto, Masami Ueno and Kinya Akashi
Agronomy 2019, 9(5), 236; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9050236 - 09 May 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4631
Abstract
Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) represents a renewable bioenergy source in arid regions, where it is used to produce not only biodiesel from the seed oil, but also various non-oil biomass products, such as fertilizer, from the seed cake following oil extraction from [...] Read more.
Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) represents a renewable bioenergy source in arid regions, where it is used to produce not only biodiesel from the seed oil, but also various non-oil biomass products, such as fertilizer, from the seed cake following oil extraction from the seeds. Jatropha plants also generate large amounts of fallen leaves during the cold or drought season, but few studies have examined the utilization of this litter biomass. Therefore, in this study, we produced biochar from the fallen leaves of jatropha using a simple and economical carbonizer that was constructed from a standard 200 L oil drum, which would be suitable for use in rural communities, and evaluated the use of the generated biochar as a soil conditioner for the cultivation of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla “Fordhook Giant”) as a model vegetable in an acidic and undernourished soil in Botswana. Biochar application improved several growth parameters of Swiss chard, such as the total leaf area. In addition, the dry weights of the harvested shoots were 1.57, 1.88, and 2.32 fold higher in plants grown in soils containing 3%, 5%, and 10% biochar, respectively, compared with non-applied soil, suggesting that the amount of biochar applied to the soil was positively correlated with yield. Together, these observations suggest that jatropha fallen leaf biochar could function as a soil conditioner to enhance crop productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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11 pages, 1121 KiB  
Article
Carbonaceous Greenhouse Gases and Microbial Abundance in Paddy Soil under Combined Biochar and Rice Straw Amendment
by Supitrada Kumputa, Patma Vityakon, Patcharee Saenjan and Phrueksa Lawongsa
Agronomy 2019, 9(5), 228; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9050228 - 06 May 2019
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2789
Abstract
Little is known about the carbonaceous greenhouse gases and soil microbial community linked to the combination of biochar (BC) and rice straw (RS) in paddy soils. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of combining BC and RS on (1) [...] Read more.
Little is known about the carbonaceous greenhouse gases and soil microbial community linked to the combination of biochar (BC) and rice straw (RS) in paddy soils. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of combining BC and RS on (1) CH4 and CO2 production from paddy soil, (2) archaeal and bacterial abundance, and (3) rice grain yield. The experiments consisted of a pot trial and an incubation trial, which had a completely randomized design. The experiments included five treatments with three replications: (a) the control (without BC, RS, and chemical fertilizer (CF)); (b) CF; (c) BC 12.50 t ha−1; (d) RS 12.50 t ha−1; and (e) combined BC 6.25 t ha−1 + RS 6.25 t ha−1 + CF. In the sole RS treatment, CH4 production (0.0347 mg m−2 season−1) and the archaeal and bacterial abundance (5.81 × 108 and 4.94 × 1010 copies g−1 soil dry weight (DW)) were higher than outcomes in the sole BC treatment (i.e., 0.0233 mg m−2 season−1 for CH4 production, and 8.51 × 107 and 1.76 × 1010 copies g−1 soil DW for archaeal and bacterial abundance, respectively). CH4 production (0.0235 mg m−2 season−1) decreased significantly in the combined BC + RS + CF treated soil compared to the soil treated with RS alone, indicating that BC lessened CH4 production via CH4 adsorption, methanogenic activity inhibition, and microbial CH4 oxidation through bacterial methanotrophs. However, the archaeal abundance (3.79–5.81 × 108 copies g−1 soil DW) and bacterial abundance (4.94–5.82 × 1010 copies g−1 soil DW) in the combined BC+ RS + CF treated soil and the RS treated soil were found to increase relative to the treatments without RS. The increase was due to the easily decomposable RS and the volatile matter (VM) constituent of the BC. Nevertheless, the resultant CO2 production was relatively similar amongst the BC, RS, and BC + RS treated soils, which was indicative of several processes, e.g., the CO2 production and reduction that occurred simultaneously but in different directions. Moreover, the highest yield of rice grains was obtained from a combined BC + RS + CF treated soil and it was 53.47 g pot−1 (8.48 t ha−1). Over time, the addition of BC to RS soil enhanced the archaeal and bacterial abundance, thereby improving yields and reducing CH4 emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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15 pages, 1365 KiB  
Article
Effect of Biochar Particle Size on Physical, Hydrological and Chemical Properties of Loamy and Sandy Tropical Soils
by Sara de Jesus Duarte, Bruno Glaser and Carlos Eduardo Pellegrino Cerri
Agronomy 2019, 9(4), 165; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9040165 - 29 Mar 2019
Cited by 90 | Viewed by 9505
Abstract
The application of biochar is promising for improving the physical, chemical and hydrological properties of soil. However, there are few studies regarding the influence of biochar particle size. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar size on the physical, chemical [...] Read more.
The application of biochar is promising for improving the physical, chemical and hydrological properties of soil. However, there are few studies regarding the influence of biochar particle size. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar size on the physical, chemical and hydrological properties in sandy and loamy tropical soils. For this purpose, an incubation experiment was conducted in the laboratory with eight treatments (control (only soil), two soils (loamy and sandy soil), and three biochar sizes (<0.15 mm; 0.15–2 mm and >2 mm)). Analyses of water content, bulk density, total porosity, pore size distribution, total carbon (TC) and total N (TN) were performed after 1 year of soil–biochar-interactions in the laboratory. The smaller particle size <0.15 mm increased water retention in both soils, particularly in the loamy soil. Bulk density slightly decreased, especially in the loamy soil when biochar > 2 mm and in the sandy soil with the addition of 0.15–2 mm biochar. Porosity increased in both soils with the addition of biochar in the range of 0.15–2 mm. Smaller biochar particles shifted pore size distribution to increased macro and mesoporosity in both soils. Total carbon content increased mainly in sandy soil compared to control treatment; the highest carbon amount was obtained in the biochar size 0.15–2 mm in loamy soil and <0.15 mm in sandy soil, while the TN content and C:N ratio increased slightly with a reduction of the biochar particle size in both soils. These results demonstrate that biochar particle size is crucial for water retention, water availability, pore size distribution, and C sequestration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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20 pages, 810 KiB  
Article
Growth, Seed Yield, Mineral Nutrients and Soil Properties of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by Biochar Addition on Upland Field Converted from Paddy
by Cosmas Wacal, Naoki Ogata, Daniel Basalirwa, Takuo Handa, Daisuke Sasagawa, Robert Acidri, Tadashi Ishigaki, Masako Kato, Tsugiyuki Masunaga, Sadahiro Yamamoto and Eiji Nishihara
Agronomy 2019, 9(2), 55; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9020055 - 27 Jan 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6912
Abstract
Sesame is an important oilseed crop cultivated worldwide. However, research has focused on biochar effects on grain crops and vegetable and there is still a scarcity of information of biochar addition on sesame. This study was to assess the effect of biochar addition [...] Read more.
Sesame is an important oilseed crop cultivated worldwide. However, research has focused on biochar effects on grain crops and vegetable and there is still a scarcity of information of biochar addition on sesame. This study was to assess the effect of biochar addition on sesame performance, with a specific emphasis on growth, yield, leaf nutrient concentration, seed mineral nutrients, and soil physicochemical properties. A field experiment was conducted on an upland field converted from paddy at Tottori Prefecture, Japan. Rice husk biochar was added to sesame cropping at rates of 0 (F), 20 (F+20B), 50 (F+50B) and 100 (F+100B) t ha−1 and combined with NPK fertilization in a first cropping and a second cropping field in 2017. Biochar addition increased plant height, yield and the total number of seeds per plant more in the first cropping than in the second cropping. The F+50B significantly increased seed yield by 35.0% in the first cropping whereas the F+20B non-significantly increased seed yield by 25.1% in the second cropping. At increasing biochar rates, plant K significantly increased while decreasing Mg whereas N and crude protein, P and Ca were non-significantly higher compared to the control. Soil porosity and bulk density improved with biochar addition while pH, exchangeable K, total N, C/N ratio and CEC significantly increased with biochar, but the effect faded in the second cropping. Conversely exchangeable Mg and its plant tissue concentration decreased due to competitive ion effect of high K from the biochar. Biochar addition is effective for increasing nutrient availability especially K for sesame while improving soil physicochemical properties to increase seed yield, growth and seed mineral quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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12 pages, 1567 KiB  
Brief Report
Characterization of Biochars Produced from Dairy Manure at High Pyrolysis Temperatures
by Wen-Tien Tsai, Po-Cheng Huang and Yu-Quan Lin
Agronomy 2019, 9(10), 634; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy9100634 - 14 Oct 2019
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3033
Abstract
In this work, the thermochemical analyses of dairy manure (DM), including the proximate analysis, ultimate (elemental) analysis, calorific value, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inorganic elements, were studied to evaluate its potential for producing DM-based char (DMC) with high porosity. The results showed that [...] Read more.
In this work, the thermochemical analyses of dairy manure (DM), including the proximate analysis, ultimate (elemental) analysis, calorific value, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inorganic elements, were studied to evaluate its potential for producing DM-based char (DMC) with high porosity. The results showed that the biomass should be an available precursor for producing biochar materials based on its high contents of carbon (42.63%) and volatile matter (79.55%). In order to characterize their pore properties, the DMC products produced at high pyrolysis temperatures (500–900°C) were analyzed using surface area and porosity analyzer, pycnometer, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The values of pore properties for the DMC products increased with an increase in pyrolysis temperature, leading to more pore development and condensed aromatic cluster at elevated temperatures. Because of the microporous and mesoporous structures from the N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms with the hysteresis loops (H4 type), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of the optimal biochar (DMC-900) was about 360 m2/g, which was higher than the data reported in the literature. The highly porous structure was also seen from the SEM observations. More significantly, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the optimal DMC product showed a high value of 57.5 ± 16.1 cmol/kg. Based on the excellent pore and chemical properties, the DMC product could be used as an effective amendment and/or adsorbent for the removal of pollutants from the soil media and/or fluid streams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar as Soil Amendment: Impact on Soil Properties and Sustainable Resource Management)
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