Abstract
The application of organic materials, such as poultry litter or poultry litter biochar, may lead to major changes in the structural and functional diversity of microbial populations. The understanding of the relationship between microorganisms and environment is crucial to assess the effect of organic materials on soil. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the influence of the addition of poultry litter (5 t DM ha−1) and poultry litter biochar in doses of 2.25 t and 5 t DM ha−1 on soil respiration activity, microbial biomass, and nitrifying bacteria activity. In soils with poultry litter biochar added in 2.25 t and 5 t DM ha−1 doses, microbial biomass was significantly higher than in treatment with mineral fertilisation applied (MF), by 59 and 77%, respectively. The significantly highest basal respiration value was determined in soil with 5 t DM ha−1 biochar. The application of poultry litter had significant effect on nitrifying bacteria activity (increase by 50%). Poultry litter biochar added to the soil in both doses contributed to an increase in nitrifying bacteria activity by 36 and 34%, respectively compared to MF treatment. Biochar had more adverse effect on soil microbial biomass and nitrifying bacteria activity than non-converted poultry litter, but it had significant effect on soil respiration activity.Graphical
Highlights
The effect of human agricultural and non-agricultural activity on soils is assessed mainly by determining the chemical properties of soil
The application of poultry litter biochar in doses of 2.25 t and 5 t DM ha−1 contributed to an increase in nitrifying bacteria activity by 36 and 34%, respectively compared to the object with mineral fertilisation applied (MF)
The results of our study indicate that the lowest nitrification potential was observed in the MF treatment in which nitrifying bacteria activity was reduced by 26% compared to the control soil (Fig. 4)
Summary
The effect of human agricultural and non-agricultural activity on soils is assessed mainly by determining the chemical properties of soil This assessment should be supported by the analysis of biological parameters or by the application of bioindication methods [21], as they are much more sensitive to changes of environmental conditions compared to soil chemical and physical indicators. Many authors underlined the importance of determining biological indicators of soil in order to comprehensively identify and assess present and future changes in soil. It is especially crucial if a solid product of thermal conversion of biomass, i.e. biochar, is applied to soil [2, 34, 47]. As stated by Steinbeiss et al [36, 48], biochar applied to the soil may create perfect habitat for microorganisms, because the high surface area and porosity of biochar enable it to adsorb or retain nutrients and water
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