Effects of different types, application rates and sizes of biochars on water and nutrient retention in clay and sandy loam soils

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Publication Details

Author list: Nang Phyu Phwe;Nang Phyu Phwe;Amnat Chidthaisong;Amnat Chidthaisong

Publication year: 2019

Journal: Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environment (1906-4918)

Volume number: 10

Issue number: 4

Start page: 115

End page: 122

ISSN: 1906-4918

URL: http://www.jseejournal.com/journal.php?id=44

Abstract

A laboratory experiment using column leaching test was conducted to investigate the effects of different types, application rates and sizes of biochar on water retention, nutrient retention, pH and CEC in clay and sandy loam soils. Two types of biochar (mangrove and rubber), two application rates (20 and 40 ton ha-1), and two sizes (1 mm and 5 mm) were used. The results indicated that application of both types of biochar significantly increased water, NH4+ and NO3- retention capacity in both soils. The significant increase in water retention was observed only with the application rate of 40 ton ha-1, by 5-6% with mangrove biochar, and 11-15% with rubber biochar. Leaching of NH4+ was reduced by 45-49% with rubber biochar at 40 ton ha-1 in clay soil, and by 10-12% in sandy loam soil. On the other hand, at the same application rate, NO3- leaching was reduced by 40-50% with mangrove biochar and by 34-39% with rubber biochar in clay soil.  Effects of biochar application on pH was observed only in sandy loam soil with an increase of 1.32 to 1.65 unit with rubber biochar, and 0.95 to 1.05 with mangrove biochar. Overall, it was found that sandy loam soil responded more significantly to biochar application than clay soil, and rubber biochar showed larger effects to soil when compared to mangrove biochar. The effect of size of biochar was not clearly observed.

Keywords

clay soil, NH4+ retention, NO3- retention., sandy loam soil, Type of biochar, water retention