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

Abstract

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.

Adsorption Kinetics of Cadmium and Lead by Biochars in Single- and Bisolute Brackish Water Systems

“…However, no Cd and Pb were detected by XRF for all samples. Experimental data of Prakongkep et al (2020) support the results of the present research that some biochar had higher Ca and lower K and vice versa . The DOC released from AC and biochars was in the range of 0.6–1.6 mg/L (see Table ).…”

“…of the present research that some biochar had higher Ca and lower K and vice versa. 43 The DOC released from AC and biochars was in the range of 0.6−1.6 mg/L (see Table 2). The surface area (SA) of BB was 191.95 m 2 /g, which was higher than those of MB (11.74 m 2 /g) and PSB (2.46 m 2 /g) (Table 2).…”

Biochar Stimulated Actual Evapotranspiration and Wheat Productivity under Water Deficit Conditions in Sandy Soil Based on Non-Weighing Lysimeter

“…Organic soil supplements can help provide plants with an extra boost of nutrients by increasing the soil’s capacity to hold water and nutrients. Several studies have been conducted to improve soil–water relations using various applications, including biochar [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…These improvements can affect nutrient cycles and soil structure, resulting in differences in plant growth and productivity. Prakongkep et al [ 5 ] found that biochar soil supplementation enhanced soil fertility and quality by enhancing water holding capacity, increasing cation exchange capacity, and retaining soil nutrients. Due to the high surface area and porous structure of biochar, its sustainable supplementation can positively influence the soil’s properties and water relations [ 14 ].…”

Is It Possible to Control the Nutrient Regime of Soils with Different Texture through Biochar Substrates?

“…The application of biochar and its effect on the soil properties both in Slovakia and globally is not fully understood and requires further research. Published literature presents several examples [17,18] that biochar improves soil fertility, including nutrient regime and soil pH in coarse and acidic soils rather than in fine soils and soils rich in nutrients with alkaline pH. However, with farmer intervention, even coarse-textured soils can have higher pH and a good supply of nutrients.…”