Abstract
The present investigation was conducted to understand the role of enriched biochar on soil nitrogen and carbon dynamics, leaching losses of nutrients, and growth attributes of wheat. Buffalo slurry (BS) was used to enrich the biochar for 24 h and 2% biochar (SB) or enriched biochar (SEB) was used. Enrichment of biochar with BS as SEB improved the C and N contents of biochar by 33–310% and 41–286% respectively. The application of biochar (SB) and enriched biochar (SEB) reduced the net nitrification by 81% and 94%, ammonification by 48% and 74%, and carbon dioxide by 50% and 92% respectively as compared to control. The leaching losses minerals i.e., C (by 30%), N (by 125%), P (by 50%), K (by 82%), Na (by 9%), Ca (by 24%), and Mg (by 12%) was decreased in SEB treatments compared to control. The soil enzyme activities, microbial biomass (MBC and MBN), wheat agronomy, soil bulk density and soil pore density, mineral uptake from the soil, and mineral contents in the plant body were improved in the SEB as compared to SB and control treatments. Our results revealed that the biochar enrichment process could improve the C and N storage in the soil reservoir and lower the environmental risks to soil and water.
Highlights
IntroductionAnimal manures (AM) can improve soil fertility and productivity to fulfill the future food requirements for the growing population [1]
Proximate analysis of the applied treatments indicated that moisture contents, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon contents of the biochar were 3.78 ± 0.78%, 22.79 ± 2.56%, 19.11 ± 0.36%, and 58.69 ± 5.36%, respectively (Table S1)
Enriched biochar was proved a more stable organic product which reduced the gaseous fluxes of C and N and further its mineralization in the soil
Summary
Animal manures (AM) can improve soil fertility and productivity to fulfill the future food requirements for the growing population [1]. Due to continuous soil cultivation, disturbance in the soil ecological functions has led to soil degradation and a decrease in soil nutrient availability. Organic amendments might be the most feasible option to increase soil fertility and productivity [2]. The release of humic compounds and organic anions from the organic materials lower the soil pH and increase the charges sites which hold more nutrients and water in their pore spaces [3]. The application of organic amendments is considered low-cost input for arid soil management [3].
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