Effects of Biochar on Soil Water-Soluble Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium and Soil Enzyme Activity of Peach Seedlings

Abstract

The effects of biochar (rape straw, paddy straw, wheat straw and corn straw) on soil water-soluble sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mn) and soil enzyme activity of peach seedlings was studied by pot experiment. The experimental result indicated that the effect of paddy straw biochar on soil water-soluble Na content was not significant compared with control, but caused a significant increase in the content of soil water-soluble Ca and Mn. Corn straw biochar significantly increased the content of soil water-soluble Na, and the content of soil water-soluble Ca and Mg were little different from that of control. The soil water-soluble Ca content under wheat straw biochar treatments was significant lower than that of other treatments. Soil enzyme activity is a comprehensive index of soil fertility, and all the biochar treatments led to a significant increase in soil urease activity, which significantly decreased the soil invertase and acid phosphatase activities, and the soil catalase activity between biochar treatments and control had no obviously difference. In conclusion, paddy straw biochar and corn straw biochar have a better effect on soil water-soluble mineral elements such as Ca and Mg, and biochar can promote or inhibit soil enzyme activity under planting peach seedlings.