Abstract
A study was carried out to investigate the effect of biochar produced from the pyrolysis of poultry litter feedstock in some of the physical properties of a Yellow Red Argisol eutrophic typical (Ultisol), located in the municipality Lagoa Seca, State of Paraiba, Brazil, that is, granulometric analysis, bulk density, porosity and available water capacity. Six doses of biochar (0; 10; 15; 20; 25 and 30 ton ha-1) were incubated into an Ultisol samples during 60 days. All assays were carried out in duplicate. After the incubation period, the soil samples were analyzed in relation to physical properties. The results of this study confirmed that the biochar prepared from the poultry litter improved these properties, that is, modified the granulometric analysis, led to a decrease in bulk density, an increase in total pore volume as well as an increase in water content mainly in matric potential 0.5065 MPa. The biochar dose, 30 ton ha-1 was better in soil density and porosity; in the water retention the best biochar dose was 15 ton ha-1; however, as the biochar effects on the physical properties were very small, it suggests to investigate larger amounts of this material in the application of the soils. Key words: Poultry litter, soil amendment, soil physical, porosity, bulk density.
Highlights
The organic matter has implications directly or indirectly on some chemical and physical phenomena in the soil
The results of this study confirmed that the biochar prepared from the poultry litter improved these properties, that is, modified the granulometric analysis, led to a decrease in bulk density, an increase in total pore volume as well as an increase in water content mainly in matric potential 0.5065 MPa
The biochar dose, 30 ton ha-1 was better in soil density and porosity; in the water retention the best biochar dose was 15 ton ha-1; as the biochar effects on the physical properties were very small, it suggests to investigate larger amounts of this material in the application of the soils
Summary
The organic matter has implications directly or indirectly on some chemical and physical phenomena in the soil. The direct effects are related to the high specific surface area and the large amount of surface charges in organic matter. Organic matter interferes in soil physical behavior by its effects on soil aggregation and consistency, acting on the formation of aggregates and, on the distribution of pore size, as well as retention and availability of water in the soil. To improve physical soil properties and fertility there is a need to increase soil organic carbon content. For this purpose, integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizer is becoming an emerging trend.
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