52-6 Nitrogen Transformations in Manure Amended Soils As Affected By Biochar Application.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Symposium--Manure Management: Measuring and Mitigating Nutrient Losses and Gaseous Emissions
Abstract:
Biochar, a pyrolysis by-product, holds promise as a material that can influence soil N transformations in manure amended soils. Biochar has been shown to both increase and decrease soil NO3-N concentrations when applied to manure amended soils. However, given high enough biochar application rates, soil NO3-N may be maintained at lower concentrations in manure amended soils. Increasing biochar application rates have also been shown to reduce soil NO3-N leaching (in some instances up to 75%), suggesting nitrate capture by biochar. Furthermore, it has been speculated that biochars can sorb soil NH4-N, temporarily removing it from microbial processes. This could be important when utilizing manure amended soils containing excessive organic N.
Applying compost and biochar has been shown to increase retention of fertilizer-applied N. Biochar blending with manures and co-composting, or blending with liquid dairy wastes, has been shown to enhance the agronomic nutrient value of the final product while helping to reduce N2O emissions and improve plant productivity; biochar alone has, in some instances, also been shown to reduce soil N2O emissions. Overall, biochar application to manure amended soils could potentially benefit producers who often observe excessive soil N accumulation. Specific results and mechanisms will be discussed.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Symposium--Manure Management: Measuring and Mitigating Nutrient Losses and Gaseous Emissions