Suitability of Biochar and Biomass Ash in Basket Willow (Salix Viminalis L.) Cultivation

Bogdan Saletnik,Czesław Puchalski

doi:10.3390/agronomy9100577

Abstract

The article presents the findings of a field experiment investigating the effectiveness of biochar and plant biomass ash when used as a soil fertiliser in the cultivation of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.). The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal dose of fertiliser to enable a maximum increase in the crop yield and enhancement of the chemical properties of the soil. In the course of the two-year experiment, the increase in basket willow yield was in the range of 6%–49%. The highest dry matter yield from the plants, at the end of both the first and the second year of the experiment, was obtained in the plots where the soil was amended with biochar alone (11.5 t ha−1), a combination of biochar and ash (respectively 11.5 and 1.5 t ha−1) and ash added at the rate of 1.5 t ha−1. The yield was reduced when the soil was amended with ash added at the rates of 3.0 t ha−1 and 4.5 t ha−1 or with the latter doses of ash combined with biochar. The results indicated that too high a concentration of ash (rate of 3.0 t ha−1 or higher for basket willow) have negative effects on plant growth and may represent a limiting factor. The study suggests that biochar is a better soil amendment than ash, because biochar application gave the highest improvement in the soil properties and plant growth. It was found that the addition of biochar, biomass ash or combinations of the two materials applied in suitable doses may be a good soil amendment.. In particular in soils which are severely damaged and require restoration, this fertilization may have a noticeable effect on soil properties and plant growth.

Highlights

Biochar, or more precisely, its broad applicability, may constitute a solution to increasing environmental problems, such as severe climate change and soil degradation, decreasing non-renewable energy resources, and the requirements for sustainable waste management [1]
Research into the use of biochar and biomass ash from energy crops unquestionably supports endeavours related to conservation of the natural environment, in particular taking into account phytoremediation and the utilitarian dimension of the sustainable energy economy
The results obtained from the field experiment suggest that biochar and ash from plant biomass can be used as a fertiliser in the cultivation of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.)

Summary

Introduction

More precisely, its broad applicability, may constitute a solution to increasing environmental problems, such as severe climate change and soil degradation, decreasing non-renewable energy resources, and the requirements for sustainable waste management [1]. In recent years numerous publications have reported a positive impact of biochar on soil fertility. Properties of biochars depend on the input biomass and the pyrolysis parameters applied in the production process. Biochars are resistant to degradation and biological decomposition, and when added to soils they are highly stable in terms of their chemical composition; and because of this they are thought to be a highly effective vehicle for carbon dioxide sequestration in the soil [3]. The stability of biochar in soil depends on the type of substrate used in its production, the parameters of the pyrolysis process as well as the soil characteristics and climate conditions [1,4]. Carbon stored in soil amended with biochar may remain there for hundreds or even thousands of years [5,6,7]

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Conclusion