Effect of biochar on emission, maturity and bacterial dynamics during sheep manure compositing

Abstract

The effects of bamboo biochar (BB) variables on gaseous emissions, maturity and microbial dynamics during composting of sheep manure were investigated. The experiments were conducted with six different ratio of BB (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% dry weight based) and 0% is compiled as control. The results showed that 10%BB provided rapid mineralization and less time duration of compost maturity. 10% BB has the excellent impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and nutrients conservation (nitrogen and carbon losses were 13.40 g/kg and 124.42 g/kg) as compared to other treatments. Control was significantly different from other treatments in terms of GHG emission and nitrogen loss and had the lowest germination index after 42 days composting. BB addition were the main factors influencing GHG emission and improve the bacterial abundance. There is a significant correlation among the analyzed physicochemical factors, gaseous emission and bacterial phylum is used 8–10% BB for SM composting. Higher percentages of BB not only reduced CH4 and N2O emissions but also showed significant influence on CO2 and NH3 losses as well as improve the end product quality.