Biochar application to temperate soils: Effects on soil fertility and crop growth under greenhouse conditions

• DOI: 10.1002/jpln.201200282
• Publication Date: 2013-10-23T12:13:07Z
• Authors: Stefanie Kloss; Franz Zehetner; Bernhard Wimmer; Jannis Buecker; Franziska Rempt; Gerhard Soja
• Keywords: Cambisol

Abstract Biochar (BC) application as a soil amendment has aroused much interest and was found to considerably improve nutrient status crop yields on poor, tropical soils. However, information the effect of BC temperate soils is still insufficient, with effects expected differ from We investigated dynamics, yield, quality in greenhouse pot experiment. compared three agricultural (Planosol, Cambisol, Chernozem), BCs different feedstocks (wheat straw [WS], mixed woodchips [WC], vineyard pruning [VP]) slowly pyrolyzed at 525°C, which latter also 400°C. The were applied two rates (1% 3%, would correspond 30 90 t ha –1 field). Three crops, namely mustard ( Sinapis alba L.), barley Hordeum vulgare red clover Trifolium pretense L.) grown successively within one year. properties included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation‐exchange capacity (CEC), calcium‐acetate‐lactate (CAL)–extractable P (P CAL ) K (K ), C, N, nitrogen‐supplying potential (NSP). results show pH increase all CEC increased only Planosol. C : N ratio 3% rate. Despite improving partly, first (mustard) lesser extent second (barley) significantly depressed through (by up 68%); yield third not affected. Only WS maintained range control even by 6%. initial reduction accompanied notable decreases (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) increases (Mo) micronutrient concentrations plant tissues while nitrogen hardly experiment that despite additional mineral fertilization, short‐term growth inhibition may occur when applying without further treatment