Effects of manure-based biochar on uptake of nutrients and water holding capacity of different types of soils

Abstract

Burning of a huge amount of agricultural waste including crop residues and animal manure is devastating our environment by emitting gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The conversion of waste biomass into biochar could help to mitigate CO2 emissions, reduce the generation of CH4 emissions, and increase the carbon sequestration in the soil for sustainable climate-smart agriculture. In this study, biochar was produced from animal manure through the pyrolysis process at different temperatures, and its effect on the water-holding capacity of different types of soils and maize growth was determined. From a total of 60 ​kg dried cow manure, 20 ​kg biochar with the percentage turnover of 33% was obtained and percent yield of biochar was found to be associated with pyrolytic temperature. The water-holding capacity of sandy loamy soils was found to be increased by 1.5% by mass for each 1% biochar addition in the soil. At a higher percentage of biochar in soil, the water holding capacity was found maximum but the germination percentage was lowest because biochar holds the soil nutrients. In conclusion, manure-based biochar addition could enhance the water holding capacity of the soil and improve crop yield by conserving the rainfall water in arid regions.