Biochar Impacts on Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Switchgrass Production.

One reported benefit of biochar amendment to soils is reduced N₂O emission.  Nitrous oxide emissions in response to application of N fertilizers were monitored at four sites where switchgrass is grown in marginally-productive soils with and without  switchgrass-derived biochar amendment. In 2013, N₂O emissions were low or below detection at three of the four experimental sites.  However, significant emissions were observed at the wettest site and there was evidence of lower N₂O emissions from biochar amended soils. Measurements are continuing in 2014.  Overall low nitrous oxide emissions with switchgrass production likely result from high N use efficiency and little excess soil a nitrate, but impact of biochar application is not fully understood.