Effects of biochar and wood vinegar co-application on composting ammonia and nitrous oxide losses and fertility

• Published in: Bioresource technology 2024-11, Vol.412, p.131388, Article 131388
• Main Authors: Huang, Wang, Sun, Xiaolong, Sun, Haijun, Feng, Yanfang, Gong, Xueliu, Ma, Yaxin, Jiang, Jiang, Xue, Lihong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ammonia; Benefits; biochar; Bioresource cycling; Compost nutrients; compost quality; dissolved organic matter; DOM; nitrogen; nitrous oxide; poultry manure; Reactive gaseous N; technology; total nitrogen; vinegars; wheat straw; wood
• ISSN: 0960-8524; 1873-2976; 1873-2976
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131388

[Display omitted] •Biochar and wood vinegar reduced NH3 volatilization by 58.9 % in composting.•Total N in compost boosted by 21.5 % with biochar and wood vinegar.•New dissolved organic matter created in compost by biochar & wood vinegar.•Compost with biochar & wood vinegar yields 259 CNY/t in benefits, worth promoting.•The composting model in this study enables efficient recycling of waste biomass. Composting faces challenges with nitrogen (N) losses through ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In this study, wood vinegar (WV) and biochar (BC) were applied individually or combined into wheat straw and chicken manure composting. Results showed that BC and WV reduced NH3 volatilizations by 22–23 % individually, but their combined application achieved a 59 % reduction. However, this combination increased N2O emissions by 174 %. The BC + WV treatment improved compost quality, evidenced by increased total N content by 22 % and enhanced the biological index, promoting additional dissolved organic matter production. Overall, BC and WV applications improved compost quality, reduced gaseous N losses, and supported the re-utilization of agricultural residues. The combined use of BC and WV significantly enhances compost quality and reduces NH3 emissions, offering a promising solution for sustainable agricultural residue management.