Characterization of biochar and its effects on the water holding capacity of loamy sand soil: Comparison of hemlock biochar and switchblade grass biochar characteristics

Abstract

Two of the most important resources in agriculture are soil and water. The quality of the soil determines the health and output of crops. Biochar has been recognized as being a useful soil amendment due to its perceived benefits of increasing water and nutrient retention. However, limited research has been conducted to compare the characteristics of biochar created from different feedstocks to determine which are the most effective at raising water holding capacity. This study compared the water holding capacity and chemical composition of biochar created from two different materials: eastern hemlock and switchblade grass. Results showed that both the hemlock char and switchblade grass char were able to significantly raise the water holding capacity of loamy sand. The switchblade grass increased the water holding capacity more than the hemlock biochar. For example, at a mixture rate of 10% biochar by weight, switchblade grass increased loamy sand's water holding capacity by 228%, compared with 133% for hemlock. The water holding capacity of the switchblade grass biochar alone was 448.69% of its weight and the hemlock biochar held 268.34% of its weight. These results suggest that switchblade grass may be better suited for improving water retention in sandy soils.

Effects of wood biomass type and airflow rate on fuel and soil amendment properties of biochar produced in a top‐lit updraft gasifier

“…Another important property is WHC since crops can uptake water and nutrients . All studied biochars present WHC higher than 300%.…”

Differences in Physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Wheat in Response to Single and Combined Salicylic Acid and Biochar Subjected to Limited Water Irrigation in Saline Sodic Soil

“…It was noted that biochar could have a superior capacity to quickly adsorb Na+ on its exchange site, leading to dropping Na+ balance content in soil solution. Moreover, higher water holding capacity of biochar can trigger dilution of salt and thus decrease osmotic stress [ 41 ]. In addition, biochar can augment inorganic content in soil solution by releasing mainly K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ , resulting in declining Na + absorption in crops.…”

Interactive Effect of Biochar and Silicon on Improving Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Attributes of Maize by Reducing Drought Hazards

“…Soil amendment with biochar (product obtained from pyrolysis of agricultural materials) has found to be a sustainable organic additive to sequester carbon from environment, enhanced moisture holding capacity, and improved soil health and quality by improving cation exchange capacity organic matter status and soil fertility by nutrient retention and stimulating microbial activities in soil (Zheng et al 2010;Minhas et al 2020). The physio-chemical changes of soil due to incorporation of biochar are dependent on biochar nature, its porosity, pyrolysis conditions, application methods and applied rates (Omondi et al 2016;Yu et al 2017). Yu et al (2017) reported that plant water relations can be improved by biochar addition by lowering soil evaporation and increased tolerance against water stress condition.…”

“…The physio-chemical changes of soil due to incorporation of biochar are dependent on biochar nature, its porosity, pyrolysis conditions, application methods and applied rates (Omondi et al 2016;Yu et al 2017). Yu et al (2017) reported that plant water relations can be improved by biochar addition by lowering soil evaporation and increased tolerance against water stress condition. Minhas et al 2020 stated that biochar addition significantly enhanced the biomass and yield compared with soil without biochar.…”

“…Si exposure to roots of sorghum was more pronounced than leaf spray to reduce the hazards of stress due deficiency of Mn nutrition and prominently enhanced the activity of SOD, photosynthesis rate, plants' dry matter weight, and leaf area (Oliveira et al 2019). Although, it has been described that application of Si or biochar can effectively promote the endurance of plants against various stresses (Coskun et al 2016;Yu et al 2017).…”