Abstract
The aim of this work was to compare the carbon (C) mineralization kinetics of three biochars (Formosan ash (Fraxinus formosana Hayata), ash biochar; Makino bamboo (Phyllostachys makino Hayata), bamboo biochar; and lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de. Wit), lead tree biochar) applied with two addition rates (2 and 5 wt %) in three excessive compost-fertilized (5 wt %) soils (one Oxisols and two Inceptisols), and to ascertain the increasing or decreasing effect of biochar and soil type in the presence of excessive compost. The study results of 400 days incubation indicated that, in general, the potential of the three biochars for C sequestration is similar in the three studied soils. The presence of excessive compost stimulated the co-mineralization of the more labile components of biochar over the short term (first two months). The potential of biochar addition for neutralizing soil pH and regulating the release of Al from soil for preserving soil organic carbon (SOC) might be the important mechanisms in biochar-compost interactions, especially in the presence of excessive compost. Overall, 5% application rate of three high temperature-pyrolysis biochars showed the less detriments to studied soils. In these incubations of biochar, excessive compost, and soil, it is a decreasing effect overall, that is, the enhanced storage of both biochar-C and SOC, which is expected as a long-term carbon sequestration in soil. The recorded direction and magnitude of effect, both are strongly influenced by biochar and soil type. When co-applied with excessive compost, the negative (reducing CO2 release) effect with increasing biochar application rates was eliminated.
Highlights
Many practices, such as inorganic N fertilization, zero-tillage, and the addition of large amounts of manure and compost to soil, have been used to increase organic C, but these practices do not sequester significant quantities of C into the soil because most of the organic matter is not stable and is mineralized quickly [1], unlike the pyrogenic biomass
Qayyum et al [1] pointed out that charcoal or organic materials produced at high temperature are the most suitable choice for long-term carbon sequestration; on the contrary, low-temperature biochar may be a suitable choice for increasing soil fertility, because compared with high-temperature biochar, the decomposition rate of compounds in low-temperature biochar is faster, and these compounds are mineralized and released into the soil
The current study results presented that different biochars could have a positive effect
Summary
Many practices, such as inorganic N fertilization, zero-tillage, and the addition of large amounts of manure and compost to soil, have been used to increase organic C, but these practices do not sequester significant quantities of C into the soil because most of the organic matter is not stable and is mineralized quickly [1], unlike the pyrogenic biomass (biochar). The application of carbon-rich pyrolysis biomass (biochar) can be used as an important carbon sink, taking an important step towards sustainability and soil organic matter (SOM) protection for tropical agriculture [2]. Qayyum et al [1] pointed out that charcoal or organic materials produced at high temperature are the most suitable choice for long-term carbon sequestration; on the contrary, low-temperature biochar may be a suitable choice for increasing soil fertility, because compared with high-temperature biochar, the decomposition rate of compounds in low-temperature biochar is faster, and these compounds are mineralized and released into the soil. The incubation study of Keith et al [3] showed the potential benefits of biochar application in the stabilization of LOM in the soil; this benefit is slightly offset by the increased mineralization of labile components of biochar in the presence of LOM. Over the long term, biochar–soil interaction will enhance soil C storage via the processes of organic matter sorption to biochar and physical protection
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