Crop Yield and Soil Properties in the First 3 Years After Biochar Application to a Calcareous Soil

• Published in: Journal of Integrative Agriculture 2014-03, Vol.13 (3), p.525-532
• Main Authors: LIANG, Feng, LI, Gui-tong, LIN, Qi-mei, ZHAO, Xiao-rong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: biochar; biochar calcareous soil crop yield soil pH long-term effect; calcareous soil; crop yield; long-term effect; soil pH; 作物产量; 土壤理化性质; 土壤肥力; 应用程序; 生物炭; 石灰性土壤; 稻草还田; 长期田间试验
• ISSN: 2095-3119; 2352-3425
• DOI: 10.1016/S2095-3119(13)60708-X

It remains unclear whether biochar applications to calcareous soils can improve soil fertility and crop yield. A long-term field experiment was established in 2009 so as to determine the effect of biochar on crop yield and soil properties in a calcareous soil. Five treatments were： 1） straw incorporation; 2） straw incorporation with inorganic fertilizer; 3）, 4） and 5） straw incorporation with inorganic fertilizer, and biochar at 30, 60, and 90 t ha-l, respectively. The annual yield of either winter wheat or summer maize was not increased significantly following biochar application, whereas the cumulative yield over the first 4 growing seasons was significantly increased. Soil pH, measured in situ, was increased by a maximum of 0.35 units after 2 yr following biochar application. After 3 yr, soil bulk density significantly decreased while soil water holding capacity increased with adding biochar of 90 t ha^-1. Alkaline hydrolysable N decreased but exchangeable K increased due to biochar addition. Olsen-P did not change compared to the treatment without biochar. The results suggested that biochar could be used in calcareous soils without yield loss or significant impacts on nutrient availability.