How Adding Biochar Improves Loessal Soil Fertility and Sunflower Yield on Consolidation Project Land on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Abstract

Although a land consolidation project has increased arable land area in loess areas, the loessal soil has poor fertility and productivity. Soil degradation and the accompanying decline in crop yields are the main limiting factors for agricultural development on the Loess Plateau. Biochar has been used as an amendment to improve soil fertility and crop yields. A potted experiment was carried out to study the effects of biochar addition (0, 5, 15 and 25 t ha −1 ) on soil physicochemical properties as well as sunflower yield. The results showed that higher rates of biochar addition (15, 25 t ha −1 ) can significantly increase soil electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, nutrients and crop yields, while decreasing soil pH. The maximum soil nutrients were observed at 25 t ha −1 biochar addition. However, the lowest soil pH value and highest sunflower seed yield were obtained at 15 t ha −1 biochar addition. The highest net income was $985 ha −1 when the biochar addition rate was 15 t ha −1 . These results suggest that biochar can significantly improve soil fertility and sunflower yield. Soil salinity and alkalinity properties, organic carbon, nitrate nitrogen and available phosphorus were crucial factors that determined soil fertility and sunflower yield in loessal soil.

Enhancing Vegetative Growth of Quinoa and Soil Properties under Water Shortage through Targeted Organic Amendments

“…Several studies have previously reported changes (increase or decrease) in pH level resulting from the application of different biochar rates [16]. Consistent with our study, a decrease in soil pH after biochar addition was observed by Qiang et al [17]. Soil pH variation after biochar application influences the microbial activity and enzyme production in addition to carbon and nutrient availability [18].…”

Influence of Biochar on Soil Nutrients and Associated Rhizobacterial Communities of Mountainous Apple Trees in Northern Loess Plateau China

“…Biochar is an environmentally friendly black carbon derived from the pyrolysis of raw materials (manure, organic wastes, crop residues, and bioenergy crops) in oxygen-deficient conditions [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. The abundant micropore structure of biochar, the aromatic structure, and the largest surface area adjust the soil physical aspects [ 32 , 33 ].…”