Abstract
Several studies have reported that biochar can improve soil properties which are linked with higher crop yields and this effect is long-term. This paper aimed to study the effects of biochar (0, 10 and 20 t ha−1) and its combinations with N-fertilization (zero, first and second level of N-fertilization) after 3 and 4 years of its application on improving soil characteristics of loamy Haplic Luvisol and crop yields (Dolná Malanta, Slovakia). The results indicated an increase in soil pH (+7%), improvement in sorption properties (hydrolytic acidity decreased by 11%, sum of basic cations and base saturation increased by 20% and 5%, respectively) and soil organic carbon rose by 27% with increasing biochar rate in the soil. N-fertilization applied to biochar treatments was a stabilizing moment in C sequestration even in the case of its labile forms. Overall, humus stability and quality were not significantly changed, however in biochar treatments without N-fertilization, the humus stability and quality decreased 3 and 4 years after biochar application. Yield parameters differed with relation to climate conditions during both vegetation crop seasons, however the combination of 20 t ha−1 of biochar with the first and second level of N-fertilization had the highest potential to increase the grain yield.
Highlights
Soil fertility decline is a major factor that prevents realizing food productivity potential
The highest increase was observed in B10N1 when compared to B0N1 and in B20N2 when compared to B0N2
Far less statistically significant relationships between crop yield parameters and soil properties were found for the vegetation season in 2018, which might be related to a stronger influence of weather conditions on crop yields
Summary
Soil fertility decline is a major factor that prevents realizing food productivity potential. Since soil resources are finite, requisite measures are required to rejuvenate degraded soils and wastelands. Areas excluded from cultivation due to social and economic reasons are replenished by reclaiming these lands and by arresting further loss of production potential [2]. If we want to manage soil efficiently and economically, we need to know its characteristics, the causes of low fertility and ways to eliminate them. Such an approach enables the rational use of land resources and the high cost-effectiveness needed to stabilize and increase the fertility and production capacity of soils. One way to reduce this problem is to apply sustainable agriculture strategies that minimize adverse impacts of farming on the environment, e.g., a reduction of agrochemicals, while increasing the interaction and synergism between various components of agroecosystems [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
