Effect of biochar on chemical properties of acidic soil

Abstract

The effect of biochar addition on the chemical properties of acidic soil such as soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable acidity were investigated to determine the liming potential of biochars. This study was conducted by incubating acidic soil (clayey, smectitic, acid, mesic, shallow, Aridic Ustorthent) of pH < 4.80 with biochars for 165 days. The biochars were produced from two biomass feedstocks such as corn stover (Zea mays L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) using microwave pyrolysis (at 650°C). Corn stover biochar, switchgrass biochar, and lime (calcium carbonate) were applied at four rates (0, 52, 104, and 156 Mg ha−1) to acidic soil. Amendment type, application rate, and their interaction had significant effects (p < 0.05) on soil pH, EC, and CEC of acidic soil. Exchangeable acidity was significantly affected by amendment type. Application of corn stover biochar had shown a relatively larger increase in soil pH than switchgrass biochar at all application rates. The ameliorating effect of biochars on chemical properties of acidic soil was consistent with their chemical composition.