Comparative effects of different kinds of biochar on ammonia volatilization and chemical properties of saline soil

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study was established to examine the effect of three biochar types (orange peels biochar (OPB), sorghum panicles biochar (SPB), and wood chips biochar (WCB)) prepared at low temperature (270 °C) added at four doses (0, 1, 3, and 6% w/w) on ammonia (NH3) volatilization and chemical characteristics of a saline soil treated with urea. The results revealed that treating the saline soil with different biochar types at all doses caused a significant reduction of cumulative NH3 volatilization compared to the unamended soil. The effectiveness of biochar types in decreasing NH3 volatilization from this soil was: WCB > SPB > OPB > unamended soil. Soil pH decreased significantly with applying different types and doses of biochar. Treating the saline soil with 3% each of SPB and WCB and 6% WCB decreased electrical conductivity significantly in the soil extract compared to the unamended soil. The sodium adsorption ratio decreased significantly with applying SPB and WCB at 3 and 6%. The biochar produced at a low temperature was found to have an acidic effect. Accordingly, biochar applications are currently one of the most promising technologies and practices for rehabilitation and sustainable management of saline soils as well as mitigating climate change.