Abstract
Background: Loss of nutrients and organic carbon (OC) through leaching or erosion may degrade soil and water quality, which in turn could lead to food insecurity. Adding biochar to soil can effectively improve soil stability, therefore, evaluating the effects of biochar on OC and nutrient retention and leaching is critical. Methods: We conducted a 42-day column leaching experiment by using sandy loam soil samples mixed with 2% of biochar pyrolyzed from Honduran mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) wood sawdust at 300 °C (WB300) and 600 °C (WB600) and a control sample. Leaching was achieved by flushing the soil column on day 4 and every week during the 42-day experiment and adding a water volume for each flushing equivalent to the field water capacity. Results: Biochar application increased the final soil pH and OC, NH4+-N, NO3−-N, available P concentrations but not exchangeable K concentrations. In particular, WB600 exhibited superior performance in alleviating soil acidification; WB300 engendered high NO3−-N concentrations. Biochar application effectively retained water in soil and inhibited the leaching of the aforementioned nutrients and dissolved OC. WB300 reduced NH4+-N and K leaching by 30%, and WB600 reduced P leaching by 68%. Conclusions: Biochar application can improve nutrient retention and reduce the leaching potential of soils and connected water bodies.
Highlights
Nutrients and soil organic carbon (SOC) are critical components of a healthy soil, which is the foundation of a strong food system [1]
Our results demonstrate that the biochar materials, WB600, exhibited a strong ability to conserve water in the soil samples when applied at a rate of 2%
The results of this study demonstrate that the incorporation of Honduran mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) wood sawdust biochar into sandy loam soil samples could improve soil health by increasing the capacity of the soil to retain nutrients and reduce nutrient leaching
Summary
Nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and soil organic carbon (SOC) are critical components of a healthy soil, which is the foundation of a strong food system [1]. Tropical ecosystems are susceptible to the loss of nutrients through soil erosion or leaching processes [2]. Intense rainfall in tropical or subtropical areas results in the leaching of fertilizer containing N, P, and K from soil bodies. SOC, comprising nutrient and soil biota, leaches out over time [5], which could aggravate nutrient losses and water pollution. Loss of nutrients and organic carbon (OC) through leaching or erosion may degrade soil and water quality, which in turn could lead to food insecurity. Biochar application effectively retained water in soil and inhibited the leaching of the aforementioned nutrients and dissolved OC. Conclusions: Biochar application can improve nutrient retention and reduce the leaching potential of soils and connected water bodies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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