The Effect of Co-Application Pine Chip Biochar and Poultry Litter On N Mineralization.

Biochar may affect a number of processes related to N dynamics, including mineralization rates, microbial biomass, sorption, enzyme activity, and volatilization. Biochar itself is relatively recalcitrant and biochar N is relatively unavailable; however, these potential ancillary effects may alter mineralization of organic sources of N. Our objective was to determine effect of a low N biochar (pine chip, 400 ^oC) on N mineralization from poultry litter in a Tifton soil during a120 day incubation. We compared inorganic, long-term mineralizable N fractions, and organic N fractions in a factorial design with inorganic N, poultry litter (PL) at the same N rate with and without pine chip biochar. Net mineralization in the PL with biochar treatment was reduced. Net nitrification in both fertilizer treatments was reduced when biochar was present.