Effects of Modified Biowaste-based Hydrochar on Rice Yield and Nitrogen Uptake

Abstract

Biochar application on farmlands is an efficient way to realize agricultural/forestry biowaste recycling in parallel with carbon sequestration. Recently, hydrochar produced by hydrothermal carbonization processes has attracted attention due to the advantages over conventional pyrolytic production (i.e., easier production process, higher carbon yield, reduced energy consumption, and lower flue gas emissions). To clarify the effects of hydrochar applied in farmlands on crop production, as well as to realize the recycling of agricultural/forestry biowaste resources, this study evaluated the effects of four types of modified-hydrochar addition on rice yield and nitrogen uptake in two typical soils and the possible influencing factors through soil-column experiments and material characterization. The results showed that sawdust hydrochar and/or straw hydrochar could increase rice yield and nitrogen uptake, as well as reduce N loss, in both treated soils after physical or biological modification, an effect that was independent of the application rate (5‰, 15‰; mass fraction). In comparison to the control, the rice yield and nitrogen uptake of hydrochar-addition treatments increased by 9.2%-20.7% and 7.7%-17.0% respectively. Sawdust hydrochar, with a wider C/N material, was conducive to improving nitrogen uptake in high fertility soils; meanwhile, the nitrogen utilization in low fertility soils was less affected by the type of hydrochar due to the limitations imposed by multiple factors. The results of material characterization showed that the surface of the hydrochar was rich in nutrients; the pore structure of hydrochar after washing or biological modification was greatly improved, the relative content of C was remarkably reduced, and the relative contents of N and O notably increased, which could affect nutrient fixation and supply. Thus, the improved pore structure and increased contents of N and O of modified hydrochars may be the key drivers for the increase in rice yield and nitrogen uptake with hydrochar addition. These results suggest that modified hydrochar is beneficial to realizing agricultural/forestry biowaste recycling and improving crop yield and nitrogen utilization, as well as reducing N loss from farmlands.