Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Biochar on Organic Matter Mineralization and Carbon Accretion in Soil

Abstract

Soil carbon (C) mineralization was studied in an incubation experiment comprised of two factors having six organic materials and three nitrogen (N) rates. Cow dung (CD), rice straw (RS), wood ash (WA), cow dung biochar (CB), rice straw biochar (RB) and wood biochar (WB) considering 2.5 g C kg−1 soil along with three levels of N, i.e., 0, 0.05 and 0.10 g N kg−1 soil were mixed with 400 g of soil used in each pot. The pots were placed for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of incubation, and soils were collected after each incubation and analyzed for C and N. Irrespective of treatment factors, C decreased in an irregular fashion until 180 days of incubation. From the initial level of 1.91%, C contents decreased to 1.08, 1.10, 1.06, 1.23, 1.17 and 1.12% in soil mixed with CD, RS, WA, CB, RB and WB, respectively, and to 1.28, 1.11 and 0.99% in 0, 0.05 and 0.10 g N kg−1 soil, respectively, at 180 days of incubation. The mineralization followed the order of WA > CD > RS > WB > RB > CB. Biochars could supply stable C in soil, while N enhances mineralization; optimization of N is therefore essential to ensure soil C accretion.

Straw Returning Measures Enhance Soil Moisture and Nutrients and Promote Cotton Growth

“…Straw and biochar, both rich in organic carbon, increase the organic matter content in the soil. The addition of biochar and straw enhances the availability of bioavailable carbon, providing energy for soil microorganisms and promoting nitrogen mineralization [31,32]. The presence of phosphorus in biochar and straw increases the availability of phosphorus in the soil, while the ash in biochar contains potassium salts that raise the availability of potassium while enhancing the efficiency of organic matter conversion [33,34].…”

Effect of Organic Manures and Mineral Fertilizers on Soil Properties and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

“…Excessive use of inorganic fertilizer alone causes an increased yield for some extent but this increased yield will not sustain for a long as continuous application of mineral fertilizers deteriorate soil health and create environmental pollution [3]. In terms of soil fertility and productivity, organic manures are superior to inorganic fertilizers because they improve soil health by improving physical, biological and chemical properties of soil [4][5][6][7][8] which result in higher yield and better-quality crop [9]. Moreover, application of organic amendments not only enhance the crop production but also can ameliorate soil salinity [10][11][12].…”

Environment-friendly nitrogen management practices in wetland paddy cultivation

“…Manure reduces the use of inorganic fertilizers in crop production and lessens the detrimental effects on air, water, and soil environment (Iqbal et al, 2020). The application of manures in the crop field substantially increases carbon sequestration and improves soil properties including soil structure and enzymatic activity, and augments microbial diversity and functions (Rahman et al, 2015;Barua et al, 2018;Iqbal et al, 2020;Ali et al, 2021;Hasnat et al, 2022). Manure application to the soil following the conventional method is a vital source of atmospheric NH 3 (Webb and Misselbrook, 2004).…”