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Gerhard Soja - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Trace element concentrations in leachates and mustard plant tissue (Sinapis alba L.) after biochar application to Temperate Soils
Science of The Total Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Stefanie Kloss, Bernhard Wimmer, Jannis Buecker, Eva Oburger, Barbara Kitzler, Franz Zehetner, Walter W Wenzel, Gerhard SojaAbstract:Abstract Biochar application to agricultural Soils has been increasingly promoted worldwide. However, this may be accompanied by unexpected side effects in terms of trace element (TE) behavior. We used a greenhouse pot experiment to study the influence of woodchip-derived biochar (wcBC) on leaching and plant concentration of various TEs (Al, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, As, B, Mo, Se). Three different agricultural Soils from Austria (Planosol, Cambisol, Chernozem) were treated with wcBC at application rates of 1 and 3% (w/w) and subsequently planted with mustard (Sinapis alba L.). Soil samples were taken 0 and 7 months after the start of the pot experiment, and leachate water was collected twice (days 0 and 54). The extractability (with NH4NO3) of cationic TEs was decreased in the (acidic) Planosol and Cambisol after wcBC application, whereas in the (neutral) Chernozem it hardly changed. In contrast, anionic TEs were mobilized in all three Soils, which resulted in higher anion concentrations in the leachates. The application of wcBC had no effect on Al and Pb in the mustard plants, but increased their B and Mo concentrations and decreased their Cd, Cu and Mn concentrations. A two-way analysis of variance showed significant interactions between wcBC application rate and soil type for most TEs, which indicates that different soil types may react differently upon wcBC application. Correlation and partial correlation analyses revealed that TE behavior was primarily related to soil pH, whereas the involvement of other factors such as electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC) content and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was found to be more soil and TE-specific. The application of wcBC may be a useful strategy for the remediation of Soils with elevated levels of cationic TEs, but could lead to deficiencies of cationic micronutrients and enhance short-term translocation of anionic TEs towards the groundwater at high leaching rates.
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Biochar decelerates soil organic nitrogen cycling but stimulates soil nitrification in a Temperate arable field trial. PLoSONE 9(1): e86388
2014Co-Authors: Judith Prommer, Barbara Kitzler, Wolfgang Wanek, Florian Hofhansl, Daniela Trojan, Pierre Offre, Tim Urich, Christa Schleper, Stefan Sassmann, Gerhard SojaAbstract:Biochar production and subsequent soil incorporation could provide carbon farming solutions to global climate change and escalating food demand. There is evidence that biochar amendment causes fundamental changes in soil nutrient cycles, often resulting in marked increases in crop production, particularly in acidic and in infertile Soils with low soil organic matter contents, although comparable outcomes in Temperate Soils are variable. We offer insight into the mechanisms underlying these findings by focusing attention on the soil nitrogen (N) cycle, specifically on hitherto unmeasured processes of organic N cycling in arable Soils. We here investigated the impacts of biochar addition on soil organic and inorganic N pools and on gross transformation rates of both pools in a biochar field trial on arable land (Chernozem) in Traismauer, Lower Austria. We found that biochar increased total soil organic carbon but decreased the extractable organic C pool and soil nitrate. While gross rates of organic N transformation processes were reduced by 50–80%, gross N mineralization of organic N was not affected. In contrast, biochar promoted soil ammonia-oxidizer populations (bacterial and archaeal nitrifiers) and accelerated gross nitrification rates more than two-fold. Our findings indicate a de-coupling of the soil organic and inorganic N cycles, with a build-up of organic N, and deceleration of inorganic N release from this pool. The results therefore suggest that addition of inorganic fertilizer-N in combination with biochar could compensate for the reduction in organic
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Biochar Decelerates Soil Organic Nitrogen Cycling but Stimulates Soil Nitrification in a Temperate Arable Field Trial
2014Co-Authors: Judith Prommer, Barbara Kitzler, Wolfgang Wanek, Florian Hofhansl, Daniela Trojan, Pierre Offre, Tim Urich, Christa Schleper, Stefan Sassmann, Gerhard SojaAbstract:Biochar production and subsequent soil incorporation could provide carbon farming solutions to global climate change and escalating food demand. There is evidence that biochar amendment causes fundamental changes in soil nutrient cycles, often resulting in marked increases in crop production, particularly in acidic and in infertile Soils with low soil organic matter contents, although comparable outcomes in Temperate Soils are variable. We offer insight into the mechanisms underlying these findings by focusing attention on the soil nitrogen (N) cycle, specifically on hitherto unmeasured processes of organic N cycling in arable Soils. We here investigated the impacts of biochar addition on soil organic and inorganic N pools and on gross transformation rates of both pools in a biochar field trial on arable land (Chernozem) in Traismauer, Lower Austria. We found that biochar increased total soil organic carbon but decreased the extractable organic C pool and soil nitrate. While gross rates of organic N transformation processes were reduced by 50–80%, gross N mineralization of organic N was not affected. In contrast, biochar promoted soil ammonia-oxidizer populations (bacterial and archaeal nitrifiers) and accelerated gross nitrification rates more than two-fold. Our findings indicate a de-coupling of the soil organic and inorganic N cycles, with a build-up of organic N, and deceleration of inorganic N release from this pool. The results therefore suggest that addition of inorganic fertilizer-N in combination with biochar could compensate for the reduction in organic N mineralization, with plants and microbes drawing on fertilizer-N for growth, in turn fuelling the belowground build-up of organic N. We conclude that combined addition of biochar with fertilizer-N may increase soil organic N in turn enhancing soil carbon sequestration and thereby could play a fundamental role in future soil management strategies.
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Biochar application to Temperate Soils: Effects on soil fertility and crop growth under greenhouse conditions
Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 2013Co-Authors: Stefanie Kloss, Bernhard Wimmer, Jannis Buecker, Franz Zehetner, Franziska Rempt, Gerhard SojaAbstract:Biochar (BC) application as a soil amendment has aroused much interest and was found to considerably improve soil nutrient status and crop yields on poor, tropical Soils. However, information on the effect of BC on Temperate Soils is still insufficient, with effects expected to differ from tropical Soils. We investigated the effects of BC on soil nutrient dynamics, crop yield, and quality in a greenhouse pot experiment. We compared three agricultural Soils (Planosol, Cambisol, Chernozem), and BCs of three different feedstocks (wheat straw [WS], mixed woodchips [WC], vineyard pruning [VP]) slowly pyrolyzed at 525°C, of which the latter was also pyrolyzed at 400°C. The BCs were applied at two rates (1% and 3%, which would correspond to 30 and 90 t ha–1 in the field). Three crops, namely mustard (Sinapis alba L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) were grown successively within one year. The investigated soil properties included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation-exchange capacity (CEC), calcium-acetate-lactate (CAL)–extractable P (PCAL) and K (KCAL), C, N, and nitrogen-supplying potential (NSP). The results show a pH increase in all Soils. The CEC increased only on the Planosol. The C : N ratio increased at 3% application rate. Despite improving the soil nutrient status partly, yields of the first crop (mustard) and to a lesser extent of the second crop (barley) were significantly depressed through BC application (by up to 68%); the yield of clover as third crop was not affected. Only the BC from WS maintained yields in the range of the control and even increased barley yield by 6%. The initial yield reduction was accompanied by notable decreases (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) and increases (Mo) in micronutrient concentrations of plant tissues while nitrogen concentrations were hardly affected. The results of the pot experiment show that despite additional mineral fertilization, short-term growth inhibition may occur when applying BC without further treatment to Temperate Soils.
Juha Helenius - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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short term effects of biochar on soil properties and wheat yield formation with meat bone meal and inorganic fertiliser on a boreal loamy sand
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Priit Tammeorg, Asko Simojoki, Pirjo Mäkelä, Frederick L. Stoddard, Laura Alakukku, Juha HeleniusAbstract:Abstract Poor water retention capacity (WRC) and nutrient deficiency commonly limit crop yields in sandy Soils. The use of biochar as a soil amendment has been previously reported to improve these limiting factors in subtropical and Temperate Soils. We studied the effects of biochar on soil properties and yield formation of spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) when applied together with inorganic fertiliser or meat bone meal (MBM) to an Endogleyic Umbrisol with a loamy sand texture in boreal conditions. In a two-year field experiment, biochar was applied at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 t ha −1 combined with three fertiliser treatments (unfertilised control, MBM and inorganic fertiliser) providing equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soil WRC and fertility as well as wheat yield, yield components and quality were analysed. Soil moisture content, leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll values (SPAD) were monitored during the experiment. Biochar increased the plant-available water content of the topsoil in the first year and reduced the bulk density in the second year after application. It also increased the contents of easily soluble K and soil organic C (SOC) in the 20 cm of topsoil, but had no effects on other soil nutrients, pH or moisture content. Biochar amendment decreased the soil NO 3 − -N content below control values in the first year but increased it significantly in the second year. The addition of biochar did not significantly affect the nitrogen uptake, grain yield or quality of wheat, possibly because of its low nutrient availability and the high organic matter content of the soil.
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Short-term effects of biochar on soil properties and wheat yield formation with meat bone meal and inorganic fertiliser on a boreal loamy sand
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Priit Tammeorg, Asko Simojoki, Pirjo Mäkelä, Frederick L. Stoddard, Laura Alakukku, Juha HeleniusAbstract:Abstract Poor water retention capacity (WRC) and nutrient deficiency commonly limit crop yields in sandy Soils. The use of biochar as a soil amendment has been previously reported to improve these limiting factors in subtropical and Temperate Soils. We studied the effects of biochar on soil properties and yield formation of spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) when applied together with inorganic fertiliser or meat bone meal (MBM) to an Endogleyic Umbrisol with a loamy sand texture in boreal conditions. In a two-year field experiment, biochar was applied at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 t ha −1 combined with three fertiliser treatments (unfertilised control, MBM and inorganic fertiliser) providing equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soil WRC and fertility as well as wheat yield, yield components and quality were analysed. Soil moisture content, leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll values (SPAD) were monitored during the experiment. Biochar increased the plant-available water content of the topsoil in the first year and reduced the bulk density in the second year after application. It also increased the contents of easily soluble K and soil organic C (SOC) in the 20 cm of topsoil, but had no effects on other soil nutrients, pH or moisture content. Biochar amendment decreased the soil NO 3 − -N content below control values in the first year but increased it significantly in the second year. The addition of biochar did not significantly affect the nitrogen uptake, grain yield or quality of wheat, possibly because of its low nutrient availability and the high organic matter content of the soil.
Catherine E Stewart - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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biochar addition rate influences soil microbial abundance and activity in Temperate Soils
European Journal of Soil Science, 2014Co-Authors: Karolien Denef, J D Gomez, Catherine E Stewart, Jiyong Zheng, M F CotrufoAbstract:Summary Biochar (BC) amendment to Soils is a proposed strategy to improve soil fertility and mitigate climate change. However, before this can become a recommended management practice, a better understanding of the impacts of BC on the soil biota is needed. We determined the effect of addition rates (0, 1, 5, 10 and 20% by mass) of a fast-pyrolysis wood-derived BC on the extraction efficiency (EE), abundance and temporal dynamics of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs, microbial community biomarkers) in four Temperate Soils during a 1-year incubation. Additionally, the effects on microbial mineralization/incorporation of BC-C were determined by measuring CO2 efflux and the BC contribution to CO2 and PLFA-C using the natural 13C abundance difference between BC and Soils. Biochar addition proportionally increased microbial abundance in all Soils and altered the community composition, particularly at the greatest addition rate, towards a more gram-negative bacteria-dominated (relative to fungi and gram-positive) community. Though chemically recalcitrant, the BC served as a substrate for microbial activity, more so at large addition rates and in soil with little organic matter. Microbial utilization of BC-C for growth could only partially explain the observed increase in microbial biomass, suggesting that other, potentially abiotic, mechanisms were involved. The strong decrease in PLFA EE (−77%) in all Soils with biochar addition emphasizes the need to measure and correct for EE when using PLFA biomarkers to estimate soil microbial responses to BC additions. Overall, our study provides support for BC use as a soil amendment that potentially stimulates microbial activity and growth.
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co generated fast pyrolysis biochar mitigates green house gas emissions and increases carbon sequestration in Temperate Soils
Gcb Bioenergy, 2013Co-Authors: Catherine E Stewart, Jiyong Zheng, Jorin Botte, Francesca M CotrufoAbstract:Char is a product of thermochemical conversion of biomass via pyrolysis, together with gas (syngas), liquid (bio-oil), and heat. Fast pyrolysis is a promising process for bio-oil generation, which leaves 10–30% of the original biomass as char. Char produced for soil application, is defined biochar (BC), and it may increase soil C storage, and reduce soil emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as N2O and CH4 –potentially making fast pyrolysis bioenergy generation a C-negative system. However, differences in production conditions (e.g., feedstock, pyrolysis temperature and speed, post handling, and storage conditions) influence the chemical properties of BC and its net effect when added to Soils. Understanding if fast pyrolysis BC can increase C sequestration and reduce GHG emissions will enable full assessment of the economic value and environmental benefits of this form of bioenergy. We characterized a BC produced by fast pyrolysis for bio-oil generation and examined GHG (CO2 ,N 2O and CH4) efflux, C partitioning using d 13 C, and soil C sequestration across four Temperate Soils and five BC rates; 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% w/w. The fast pyrolysis process created a highly aromatic, low N, ashrich BC with a O : C ratio of 0.01, which we expected to be highly recalcitrant. Across Soils, CO2 emissions increased linearly and N2O emissions decreased exponentially with increasing BC addition rates. Despite still being actively respired after 2 years, total BC-derived C-CO2 comprised less than the BC volatile C content (4%). Expressed as CO2 equivalents, CO2 was the primary GHG emitted (97.5%), followed by N2O. All GHG emissions were small compared to the total SOC sequestered in the BC. Fast pyrolysis produced a highly recalcitrant BC that sequestered C and reduced GHG emissions. The recovery and soil application of BC would contribute to a negative carbon balance for this form of bioenergy generation.
Priit Tammeorg - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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short term effects of biochar on soil properties and wheat yield formation with meat bone meal and inorganic fertiliser on a boreal loamy sand
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Priit Tammeorg, Asko Simojoki, Pirjo Mäkelä, Frederick L. Stoddard, Laura Alakukku, Juha HeleniusAbstract:Abstract Poor water retention capacity (WRC) and nutrient deficiency commonly limit crop yields in sandy Soils. The use of biochar as a soil amendment has been previously reported to improve these limiting factors in subtropical and Temperate Soils. We studied the effects of biochar on soil properties and yield formation of spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) when applied together with inorganic fertiliser or meat bone meal (MBM) to an Endogleyic Umbrisol with a loamy sand texture in boreal conditions. In a two-year field experiment, biochar was applied at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 t ha −1 combined with three fertiliser treatments (unfertilised control, MBM and inorganic fertiliser) providing equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soil WRC and fertility as well as wheat yield, yield components and quality were analysed. Soil moisture content, leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll values (SPAD) were monitored during the experiment. Biochar increased the plant-available water content of the topsoil in the first year and reduced the bulk density in the second year after application. It also increased the contents of easily soluble K and soil organic C (SOC) in the 20 cm of topsoil, but had no effects on other soil nutrients, pH or moisture content. Biochar amendment decreased the soil NO 3 − -N content below control values in the first year but increased it significantly in the second year. The addition of biochar did not significantly affect the nitrogen uptake, grain yield or quality of wheat, possibly because of its low nutrient availability and the high organic matter content of the soil.
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Short-term effects of biochar on soil properties and wheat yield formation with meat bone meal and inorganic fertiliser on a boreal loamy sand
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2014Co-Authors: Priit Tammeorg, Asko Simojoki, Pirjo Mäkelä, Frederick L. Stoddard, Laura Alakukku, Juha HeleniusAbstract:Abstract Poor water retention capacity (WRC) and nutrient deficiency commonly limit crop yields in sandy Soils. The use of biochar as a soil amendment has been previously reported to improve these limiting factors in subtropical and Temperate Soils. We studied the effects of biochar on soil properties and yield formation of spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) when applied together with inorganic fertiliser or meat bone meal (MBM) to an Endogleyic Umbrisol with a loamy sand texture in boreal conditions. In a two-year field experiment, biochar was applied at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 t ha −1 combined with three fertiliser treatments (unfertilised control, MBM and inorganic fertiliser) providing equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Soil WRC and fertility as well as wheat yield, yield components and quality were analysed. Soil moisture content, leaf area index and leaf chlorophyll values (SPAD) were monitored during the experiment. Biochar increased the plant-available water content of the topsoil in the first year and reduced the bulk density in the second year after application. It also increased the contents of easily soluble K and soil organic C (SOC) in the 20 cm of topsoil, but had no effects on other soil nutrients, pH or moisture content. Biochar amendment decreased the soil NO 3 − -N content below control values in the first year but increased it significantly in the second year. The addition of biochar did not significantly affect the nitrogen uptake, grain yield or quality of wheat, possibly because of its low nutrient availability and the high organic matter content of the soil.
Francesca M Cotrufo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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co generated fast pyrolysis biochar mitigates green house gas emissions and increases carbon sequestration in Temperate Soils
Gcb Bioenergy, 2013Co-Authors: Catherine E Stewart, Jiyong Zheng, Jorin Botte, Francesca M CotrufoAbstract:Char is a product of thermochemical conversion of biomass via pyrolysis, together with gas (syngas), liquid (bio-oil), and heat. Fast pyrolysis is a promising process for bio-oil generation, which leaves 10–30% of the original biomass as char. Char produced for soil application, is defined biochar (BC), and it may increase soil C storage, and reduce soil emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as N2O and CH4 –potentially making fast pyrolysis bioenergy generation a C-negative system. However, differences in production conditions (e.g., feedstock, pyrolysis temperature and speed, post handling, and storage conditions) influence the chemical properties of BC and its net effect when added to Soils. Understanding if fast pyrolysis BC can increase C sequestration and reduce GHG emissions will enable full assessment of the economic value and environmental benefits of this form of bioenergy. We characterized a BC produced by fast pyrolysis for bio-oil generation and examined GHG (CO2 ,N 2O and CH4) efflux, C partitioning using d 13 C, and soil C sequestration across four Temperate Soils and five BC rates; 0%, 1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% w/w. The fast pyrolysis process created a highly aromatic, low N, ashrich BC with a O : C ratio of 0.01, which we expected to be highly recalcitrant. Across Soils, CO2 emissions increased linearly and N2O emissions decreased exponentially with increasing BC addition rates. Despite still being actively respired after 2 years, total BC-derived C-CO2 comprised less than the BC volatile C content (4%). Expressed as CO2 equivalents, CO2 was the primary GHG emitted (97.5%), followed by N2O. All GHG emissions were small compared to the total SOC sequestered in the BC. Fast pyrolysis produced a highly recalcitrant BC that sequestered C and reduced GHG emissions. The recovery and soil application of BC would contribute to a negative carbon balance for this form of bioenergy generation.
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biochar and nitrogen fertilizer alters soil nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas fluxes from two Temperate Soils
Journal of Environmental Quality, 2012Co-Authors: Jiyong Zheng, Catherine E Stewa, Francesca M CotrufoAbstract:Biochar (BC) application to agricultural Soils could potentially sequester recalcitrant C, increase N retention, increase water holding capacity, and decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Biochar addition to Soils can alter soil N cycling and in some cases decrease extractable mineral N (NO and NH) and NO emissions. These benefits are not uniformly observed across varying soil types, N fertilization, and BC properties. To determine the effects of BC addition on N retention and GHG flux, we added two sizes (>250 and <250 µm) of oak-derived BC (10% w/w) to two Soils (aridic Argiustoll and aquic Haplustoll) with and without N fertilizer and measured extractable NO and NH and GHG efflux (NO, CO, and CH) in a 123-d laboratory incubation. Biochar had no effect on NO, NH, or NO in the unfertilized treatments of either soil. Biochar decreased cumulative extractable NO in N fertilized treatments by 8% but had mixed effects on NH. Greenhouse gas efflux differed substantially between the two Soils, but generally with N fertilizer BC addition decreased NO 3 to 60%, increased CO 10 to 21%, and increased CH emissions 5 to 72%. Soil pH and total treatment N (soil + fertilizer + BC) predicted soil NO flux well across these two different Soils. Expressed as CO equivalents, BC significantly reduced GHG emissions only in the N-fertilized silt loam by decreasing NO flux. In unfertilized Soils, CO was the dominant GHG component, and the direction of the flux was mediated by positive or negative BC effects on soil CO flux. On the basis of our data, the use of BC appears to be an effective management strategy to reduce N leaching and GHG emissions, particularly in neutral to acidic Soils with high N content.
