Effect of fertilization of a biochar and compost amended technosol: Consequence on Ailanthus altissima growth and As- and Pb-specific root sorption

The remediation of metal(loid) polluted soil using plants (i.e. phytoremediation) often requires the application of amendments, as well as chemical fertilizer. However, such fertilizers can have negative effects when applied alone and can thus be applied together with other organic amendments to diminish this negative effect. Finally, plants to be used in phytoremediation should be selected based on their adaptive capacity and tolerance to poor and highly contaminated soils, characteristics that possesses Ailanthus altissima. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of osmocote fertilization on the amended mining technosol properties and plant growth parameters, as well as to study the accumulation pattern of As and Pb in plant roots. Results showed that osmocote ameliorated soil conditions, but increased Pb mobility. It also greatly improved plant growth. Finally, different behaviours of metal(loid) accumulation were observed in the roots: As was absorbed mainly in the roots because of its similarity with P, with very low amounts in the leaves, whereas Pb was adsorbed mainly on the root surface, with lesser proportion absorbed inside the root system.     

Eco-restoration of a mine technosol according to biochar particle size and dose application: study of soil physico-chemical properties and phytostabilization capacities of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix viminalis</Emphasis>

Purpose

Anthropic activities induce severe metal(loid)s contamination of many sites, which is a threat to the environment and to public health. Indeed metal(loid)s cannot be degraded, and thus accumulate in soils. Furthermore, they can contaminate surrounding ecosystems through run-off or wind erosion. This study aims to evaluate the phytostabilization capacity of Salix viminalis to remediate As and Pb highly contaminated mine site, in a biochar-assisted phytoremediation context and to assess biochar particle size and dose application effects.

Materials and methods

To achieve this, mesocosm experiments were conducted using the contaminated technosol and four different size fraction of one biochar as amendment, at two application rates (2 and 5%). Non-rooted cuttings of Salix viminalis were planted in the different mixtures. In order to characterize the mixtures, soil pore waters were sampled at the beginning and at the end of the experiment and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, and metal(loid) concentrations. After 46 days of Salix growth, roots, stems, and leaves were harvested and weighed, and As and Pb concentrations and distributions were measured.

Results and discussion

Soil fertility improved (acidity decrease, electrical conductivity increase) following biochar addition, whatever the particle size, and the Pb concentration in soil pore water decreased. Salix viminalis did not grow on the non-amended contaminated soil while the biochar amendment permitted its growth, with a better growth with the finest biochars. The metal(loid)s accumulated preferentially in roots.

Conclusions

Fine biochar particles allowed S. viminalis growth on the contaminated soil, allowing this species to be used for technosol phytostabilization.

     

Biochar from Different Carbonaceous Waste Materials: Ecotoxicity and Effectiveness in the Sorption of Metal(loid)s

In this study, biochar produced by pyrolysis of urban pruning wood (Bpw) and sewage sludge (Bss) were characterized and investigated as adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), and As(V) from contaminated solutions. Both types of biochars showed different physical-chemical properties and metal(loid) content. In Bss, Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations exceeded the upper limit of the common ranges in soils. However, when they were tested for their effect on soil invertebrates, neither of the biochar was expected to exert negative effects as long as the dose applied as an amendment was ≤?4.8 t ha^?1. For an assessment of the effectiveness of biochar in the immobilization of metal(loid)s, three contaminated solutions with acidic pH and different pollutant concentrations were added to both types of biochar. Precipitation as oxy-hydroxides and the formation of complexes with active functional groups of the organic matter were the main mechanisms of metal(loid) fixation by the biochar, with increased precipitation and a rising pH. Both types of biochar were effective at immobilizing Pb and Cu, while Zn showed less effectiveness in this regard and As the least. The high P content of the biochar from sewage sludge favored Pb fixation, presumably forming complexes with phosphates, while competition between phosphate and arsenate ions decreased As adsorption by Fe compounds. The metal(loid)s immobilized by biochar from urban pruning wood were more bioavailable than those fixed by biochar from sewage sludge.     

Effects of biochar compared to organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and plant growth in a greenhouse experiment

Our contemporary society is struggling with soil degradation due to overuse and climate change. Pre‐Columbian people left behind sustainably fertile soils rich in organic matter and nutrients well known as terra preta (de Indio) by adding charred residues (biochar) together with organic and inorganic wastes such as excrements and household garbage being a model for sustainable agriculture today. This is the reason why new studies on biochar effects on ecosystem services rapidly emerge. Beneficial effects of biochar amendment on plant growth, soil nutrient content, and C storage were repeatedly observed although a number of negative effects were reported, too. In addition, there is no consensus on benefits of biochar when combined with fertilizers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test whether biochar effects on soil quality and plant growth could be improved by addition of mineral and organic fertilizers. For this purpose, two growth periods of oat (Avena sativa L.) were studied under tropical conditions (26°C and 2600 mm annual rainfall) on an infertile sandy soil in the greenhouse in fivefold replication. Treatments comprised control (only water), mineral fertilizer (111.5 kg N ha^–1, 111.5 kg P ha^–1, and 82.9 kg K ha^–1), compost (5% by weight), biochar (5% by weight), and combinations of biochar (5% by weight) plus mineral fertilizer (111.5 kg N ha^–1, 111.5 kg P ha^–1, and 82.9 kg K ha^–1), and biochar (2.5% by weight) plus compost (2.5% by weight). Pure compost application showed highest yield during the two growth periods, followed by the biochar + compost mixture. biochar addition to mineral fertilizer significantly increased plant growth compared to mineral fertilizer alone. During the second growth period, plant yields were significantly smaller compared to the first growth period. biochar and compost additions significantly increased total organic C content during the two growth periods. Cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) could not be increased upon biochar addition while base saturation (BS) was significantly increased due to ash addition with biochar. On the other hand, compost addition significantly increased CEC. Biochar addition significantly increased soil pH but pH value was generally lower during the second growth period probably due to leaching of base cations. Biochar addition did not reduce ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate leaching during the experiment but it reduced nitrification. The overall plant growth and soil fertility decreased in the order compost > biochar + compost > mineral fertilizer + biochar > mineral fertilizer > control. Further experiments should optimize biochar–organic fertilizer systems.     

Sorption-desorption behaviors of heavy metals by biochar-compost amendment with different ratios in contaminated wetland soil

Purpose

Heavy metal pollution in soils has become a global environmental concern. The combination of biochar and compost has already been proved to be an attractive method in contaminated soil. The objective was to study the sorption-desorption characteristics of Cd, Cu, and Zn onto soil amended with combined biochar-compost.

Materials and methods

In this study, the soil was amended with combinations of biochar and compost with different ratios at 10% (w/w). To determine the sorption-desorption behaviors of heavy metals by biochar-compost amendment with different ratios, we determine the effects of different ratios on soil properties and use batch experiments to investigate sorption-desorption behaviors of Cd, Cu, and Zn.

Results and discussion

The results show that the Langmuir and Freundlich model can well describe the adsorption isotherm of Cd, Cu, and Zn in the soils with or without biochar-compost combinations. The incorporation of amendment combinations into soil significantly promotes the sorption affinity of soil on metals. The sorption capacity of Cd and Zn was improved as the compost percentage rose in biochar-compost more likely due to the increase of organic matter and available phosphorus, while that of Cu was stronger with 10 and 20% biochar addition in biochar-compost combinations likely as the result of the formation of new specific adsorption sites and the mobile Cu adsorption in compost after adding a certain amount of biochar in amendment mixtures. Additionally, a certain proportion of biochar applied into amendment mixtures could suppress desorption of Cd and Cu by pH change, and the Zn desorption rate gradually decreased as the compost ratio increased in amendment mixtures.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the various ratios between biochar and compost have a significant effect on sorption-desorption of metals in soil, which helps us consider the effective combination of biochar and compost in soil.

     

Influence of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria,Compost, and Biochar of Azolla on Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) Growth and Some Soil Quality Indicators in a Calcareous Soil

In order to study the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Azolla compost and Azolla biochar on some soil quality indicators and rosemary growth, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six replications. Treatments consisted of T₁ (control), T₂ (1% Azolla compost), T₃ (1% Azolla biochar), T₄ (PGPR (P. fluorescens), T₅ (1% compost + PGPR) and T₆ (1% biochar + PGPR). Rosemary growth parameters and nutrients concentration increased in all treatments compared to control. Treatments increased soil nutrient concentrations, soil microbial respiration (SMR) and microbial biomass C (MBC) but decreased soil metabolic quotient (qCO₂) compared to control treatment. A significant enhancement in rosemary growth occurred due to the improved soil quality as a result of organic fertilizers application, particularly by co-application of P. fluorescens and compost or biochar of Azolla.     

生物质炭添加对重金属污染稻田土壤理化性状及微生物量的影响

分析了生物质炭添加对红壤性水稻土理化性状、重金属含量及微生物生物量的影响。通过田间小区长期定位试验,一次性施入不同量生物质炭(0,10,20,30,40t/hm2),于2017年9月采集各处理表层土样(0—15cm),研究土壤理化性状、重金属含量及微生物生物量的变化。结果表明:生物质炭添加对土壤理化性状、重金属含量及微生物生物量均有显著影响。与对照相比,供试土壤的pH、EC和有机质含量随生物质炭添加量的增加而增大,增幅分别为5.11%~18.43%,37.62%~104.31%和1.72%~22.41%,而有效磷和铵态氮含量随生物质炭添加量的增加呈先增大后减小趋势,分别在生物质炭添加量为10t/hm2和30t/hm2时达到最大值。随生物质炭添加量的增加,土壤有效态Cd和有效态Pb含量均呈降低趋势,而土壤有效态As含量呈先增加后减少的趋势,三者均在生物质炭添加量为40t/hm2时达到最小值。土壤微生物生物量碳、氮和微生物商随生物质炭添加量的增加均呈先升高后降低的趋势,均在生物质炭添加量为20t/hm2时达到最大值。相关分析表明,生物质炭添加量分别与土壤有效态Cd和Pb含量之间呈极显著负相关(P0.01);通径分析表明,生物质炭主要是通过直接作用影响土壤有效态Cd含量,而土壤pH、EC、有机质、微生物生物量碳、氮和有效磷主要是通过间接作用影响土壤有效态Cd含量。因此,添加适量生物质炭不仅可以改善土壤重金属污染现状和土壤理化性状,提高土壤养分含量,还可以改良土壤生物学性质,增加土壤微生物量。研究结果可为提高稻田土壤肥力和改善土壤重金属污染状况提供科学依据。     

生物炭对铜矿区污染土壤微生物活性及香根草富集铜、镉、铅的影响

矿区土壤易发生重金属污染,是土地资源利用和维护的一大难题。以铜矿区污染土壤为研究对象,按质量比添加0,1%,2%,4%,10% (w/w)的生物炭,进行香根草室内盆栽试验。研究添加生物炭对土壤pH和微生物活性、香根草富集与转运重金属的影响,探明重金属形态含量与生物炭、微生物活性的相关性,旨在为生物炭与香根草联合修复矿区重金属污染土壤提供理论参考。结果表明:生物炭的添加能提高土壤pH,显著提高土壤FDA水解酶、蔗糖酶和脲酶活性,显著促进土壤基础呼吸,但对土壤微生物量碳无显著影响;生物炭的添加使香根草生物量显著增大,降低土壤Cu和Pb的有效态占比,Cd的变化与此相反;添加生物炭促进香根草对Cd和Pb的富集,降低香根草对Cu的富集,减少Cu、Cd和Pb在香根草体内的转运,因此香根草可作为Cu、Cd和Pb的稳定化植物。土壤蔗糖酶活性与香根草叶片Cu、Cd和Pb含量、有效态和残渣态Cu含量呈显著正相关,土壤基础呼吸与叶片Cu、Cd和Pb含量、有效态Cu、Pb含量呈显著负相关,而与有效态Cd含量呈显著正相关。总之,生物炭可减弱矿区土壤重金属对香根草生长的毒害作用,并促进香根草对重金属的富集,两者结合可改善铜矿区污染土壤的理化性质和微生物活性,有利于重金属污染土壤修复,改善土壤质量。     

Positive Effects of Biochar and Biochar-Compost on Maize Growth and Nutrient Availability in Two Agricultural Soils

Previous studies have reported positive, negative, or neutral effects on maize yield by the application of biochar and/or compost in the presence or absence of inorganic fertilization. This study investigated the influence of biochar, compost, and mixtures of the two, along with N fertilization, on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and nutrient status in two agricultural Mediterranean soils. Biochars (BC) were produced from grape pomace (GP) and rice husks (RH) by pyrolysis at 300°C (BC-GP; BC-RH). Maize was grown for 30 days after seedling emergence in a greenhouse pot trial in two Mediterranean soils (Sandy Loam-SL and Loam-L) amended with biochar or/and compost (BC-GP+compost; BC-RH+compost) at 2% (w/w) application rate with nitrogen (N) fertilization. The addition of BC-GP amendment resulted in the highest increase of aboveground dry weight (16 g/pot) compared to the control (6.27 g/pot) in SL soil, whereas in L soil the highest increase of aboveground dry weight resulted from BC-RH+compost (13.03 g/pot) compared to the control (2.43 g/pot). The addition of BC-GP+compost significantly increased phosphorus (P) concentration of the aboveground and belowground tissues only in L soil. Potassium (K) concentration of aboveground and belowground tissues significantly increased almost by all the amendments with the greatest increase being observed after the addition of BC-GP+compost in SL soil. To conclude, biochar addition could enhance plant growth, although soil conditions, type of biochar and additional fertilization should receive special attention in order to be used as a tool for sustainable agriculture.     

聚合果属生物炭引起的咸水灌溉下土壤养分有效性和番茄生长变化

Thermally modified organic materials commonly known as biochar have gained popularity of being used as a soil amendment.Little information, however, is available on the role of biochar in alleviating the negative impacts of saline water on soil productivity and plant growth. This study, therefore, was conducted to investigate the effects of Conocarpus biochar(BC) and organic farm residues(FR) at different application rates of 0.0%(control), 4.0% and 8.0%(weight/weight) on yield and quality of tomatoes grown on a sandy soil under drip irrigation with saline or non-saline water. The availability of P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu to plants was also investigated. The results demonstrated clearly that addition of BC or FR increased the vegetative growth, yield and quality parameters in all irrigation treatments. It was found that salt stress adversely affected soil productivity, as indicated by the lower vegetative growth and yield components of tomato plants. However, this suppressing effect on the vegetative growth and yield tended to decline with application of FR or BC, especially at the high application rate and in the presence of biochar. Under saline irrigation system, for instance, the total tomato yield increased over the control by 14.0%–43.3% with BC and by 3.9%–35.6% with FR. These could be attributed to enhancement effects of FR or BC on soil properties, as indicated by increases in soil organic matter content and nutrient availability. Therefore, biochar may be effectively used as a soil amendment for enhancing the productivity of salt-affected sandy soils under arid conditions.     

Impact of a biochar or a biochar-compost mixture on water relation, nutrient uptake and photosynthesis of Phragmites karka

Soil water and nutrient status are both of major importance for plant appearance and growth performance. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of biochar (1.5%) and a biochar-compost mixture (1.5% biochar + 1.5% compost) on the performance of Phragmites karka plants grown on a synthetic nutrient-poor sandy clay soil (50% sand, 30% clay, and 20% gravel). Indicators of plant performance, such as growth, lignocellulosic biomass, water status (leaf water potential, osmotic potential, and turgor potential), mineral nutrition status, leaf gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence, and soil respiration (carbon dioxide (CO₂) flux) were assessed under greenhouse conditions. Biochar-treated plants had higher growth rates and lignocellulosic biomass production than control plants with no biochar and no compost. There was also a significant increase in soil respiration in the treatments with biochar, which stimulated microbial interactions. The increase in soil water-holding capacity after biochar amendment caused significant improvements in plant water status and plant ion (K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺) contents, leading to an increase in net photosynthesis and a higher energy-use efficiency of photosystem II. Biochar-treated plants had lower oxidative stress, increased water-use efficiency, and decreased soil respiration, and the biochar-compost mixture resulted in even greater improvements in growth, leaf turgor potential, photosynthesis, nutrient content, and soil gas exchange. Our results suggest that biochar and compost promote plant growth with respect to nutrient uptake, water balance, and photosynthetic system efficiency. In summary, both the soil amendments studied could increase opportunities for P. karka to sequester CO₂ and produce more fodder bio-active compounds and biomass for bio-energy on nutrient-poor degraded soils.     

Effects of biochars produced from different feedstocks on soil properties and sunflower growth

The use of biochar as a soil amendment is gaining interest to mitigate climate change and improve soil fertility and crop productivity. However, studies to date show a great variability in the results depending on raw materials and pyrolysis conditions, soil characteristics, and plant species. In this study, we evaluated the effects of biochars produced from five agricultural and forestry wastes on the properties of an organic‐C‐poor, slightly acidic, and loamy sand soil and on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) growth. The addition of biochar, especially at high application rates, decreased soil bulk density and increased soil field capacity, which should impact positively on plant growth and water economy. Furthermore, biochar addition to soil increased dissolved organic C (wheat‐straw and olive‐tree‐pruning biochars), available P (wheat‐straw biochar), and seed germination, and decreased soil nitrate concentration in all cases. The effects of biochar addition on plant dry biomass were greatly dependent upon the biochar‐application rate and biochar type, mainly associated to its nutrient content due to the low fertility of the soil used. As a result, the addition of ash‐rich biochars (produced from wheat straw and olive‐tree pruning) increased total plant dry biomass. On the other hand, the addition of biochar increased the leaf biomass allocation and decreased the stem biomass allocation. Therefore, biochar can improve soil properties and increase crop production with a consequent benefit to agriculture. However, the use of biochar as an amendment to agricultural soils should take into account its high heterogeneity, particularly in terms of nutrient availability.     

Contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil amendments to remediation of a heavy metal-contaminated soil using sweet sorghum

Owing to their potential advantages such as waste reduction,recycling,and economic attributes,fast-growing bioenergy crops have the capacity to e?ectively phytoremediate heavy metal-contaminated soils.However,little is known about the role of microbial and chemical amendments in phytoremediation using bioenergy crops.Here,we studied the contributions of inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Acaulospora mellea ZZ and three soil amendments,i.e.,hydroxyapatite (HAP),manure,and bi...     

施用生物炭对红壤性水稻土重金属钝化与土壤肥力的影响

通过田间小区试验,分析了不同用量的生物炭处理下(0,10,20,30,40 t/hm^2)0-17,17-29 cm土层土壤的理化性质、重金属钝化及酶活性的影响。采用IFI(土壤肥力综合质量指数)评价了土壤肥力状况。结果表明:施用生物炭可以改善红壤的理化性状,降低土壤容重,提高土壤的孔隙度、饱和含水量、pH、CEC、有机质、有效磷、铵态氮和全氮及DOC含量;同时提高土壤脲酶、过氧化氢酶和蔗糖酶活性。土壤有效态Cd和Pb含量均随生物炭施用量的增加而减少;而有效态As含量则随生物炭施用量的增加呈先增后减的趋势,三者均在生物炭施用量为40 t/hm^2时为最小值。利用IFI对土壤肥力综合质量进行评价可知,在不同生物炭用量条件下土壤肥力综合质量指数依次为A30>A40>A20>A10>CK,相应的土壤肥力综合质量指数分别为0.64,0.62,0.57,0.47,0.44。评价结果表明在生物炭施用量为30 t/hm^2时,红壤的肥力改良效果最佳。因此,采用适量的生物炭可修复重金属对红壤性水稻土的污染,并改善土壤肥力状况。     

Performance of biochar derived from Cymbopogon winterianus waste at two temperatures on soil properties and growth of Bacopa monneri

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biochar derived from the distilled waste of Cymbopogon winterianus at two different pyrolysis temperatures (450°C and 850°C) on the chemical and biological properties of sandy loamy soil (SLS) and its subsequent impact on plant growth. Pot experiments utilizing Bacopa monnieri were performed in a greenhouse with four different application rates of biochar (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% (w/w)) for 120 days. Biochar induced alterations in soil properties (nutrients, enzymes, and microbes) and plant responses (yield, biocide and antioxidant content) to biochar addition were measured. Biochar application, notably improved the soil carbon, cation exchange capacity, and the availability of NH₄ ⁺ and phosphorus. Initially, biochar produced at the lower temperature had more effect on the available nitrogen, phosphorus, soil enzymatic properties, and plant biomass growth. After 120 days, the pyrolysis temperature had only a marginal influence on biochar-induced effects on soil pH, WHC, and soil enzymatic activities. Our results suggest that C. winterianus derived biochar amendment leads to an overall amelioration of soil fertility and plant growth improvement. In specific biochar produced at lower temperatures (450°C) was more effective for improvement of plant biomass and soil characteristics.     

An overview on biochar production, its implications, and mechanisms of biochar-induced amelioration of soil and plant characteristics

The degradation of soil fertility and quality due to rapid industrialization and human activities has stimulated interest in the rehabilitation of low-fertility soils to sustainably improve crop yield. In this regard, biochar has emerged as an effective multi-beneficial additive that can be used as a medium for the amelioration of soil properties and plant growth. The current review highlights the methods and conditions for biochar production and the effects of pyrolysis temperature, feedstock type, and retention time on the physicochemical properties of biochar. We also discuss the impact of biochar as a soil amendment with respect to enhancing soil physical (e.g., surface area, porosity, ion exchange, and water-holding capacity) and chemical (e.g., pH, nutrient exchange,functional groups, and carbon sequestration) properties, improving the soil microbiome for increased plant nutrient uptake and growth, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing infectious diseases in plants, and facilitating the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. The possible mechanisms for biochar-induced amelioration of soil and plant characteristics are also described, and we consider the challenges associated with biochar utilization. The findings discussed in this review support the feasibility of expending the application of biochar to improve degraded soils in industrial and saline-alkali regions, thereby increasing the usable amount of cultivated soil. Future research should include long-term field experiments and studies on biochar production and environmental risk management to optimize biochar performance for specific soil remediation purposes.     

Biochar derived from dairy cattle carcasses as an alternative source of phosphorus and amendment for soil acidity

Two pot experiments were conducted to evaluate biochar derived from dead dairy cattle as a mineral fertilizer, especially phosphorus (P) fertilizer, and to clarify the effect of particle size of biochar on plant growth (Zea mays L.) and P uptake. To produce the biochar, body parts of dead cattle were placed in a charring chamber and allowed to char at 450°C for 4 h. The biochar was of high pH and rich in major plant nutrients, especially P. Application of fine biochar (< 1 mm) increased P uptake by the corn plants grown in soil of low available P status. As a result, plant growth was improved following biochar application and dry matter production was also increased. The effect of the biochar application on the P uptake and plant growth was promoted by the application of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Soil analysis after harvest indicated that the biochar application increased soil pH, available P and exchangeable calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) compared with the soil before seeding, while soil available N and exchangeable potassium (K) were considerably decreased. The decrease in the soil available N was incomprehensible, because the result of the mass balance given by the difference between input as the applied N from the biochar and fertilizer N and output as the N uptake by the plants was positive. We observed a similar result in the mass balance of K to the case of N. The medium (2–4 mm) and coarse (> 4 mm) grade biochar did not significantly affect plant growth, because P uptake was not, or was only slightly, increased by the application of these biochars. Dissolution of P from the coarser biochars was probably slower than that of the fine biochar. The lower dissolution of P from the medium and coarse biochars was supported by the lower P absorption efficiency of these biochars compared with that of the fine biochar and superphosphate. The effect of fine biochar on plant growth and P uptake was similar to that of superphosphate. We can therefore conclude that fine biochar derived from cattle carcasses is an effective source of P fertilizer and amendment for soil acidity. The N and K contents in the biochar, although relatively high, cannot be relied upon as a mineral fertilizer. Further studies are needed to assess whether the N and K contents of the biochar indicate it can be regarded as a useful fertilizer.     

生物炭和AM真菌提高矿区土壤养分有效性的机理

【目的】矿区土壤贫瘠、有效养分含量低,而生物炭和丛枝菌根(arbuscular mycorrhizal, AM)真菌能够改善土壤养分,提高植物对环境胁迫的抗性和养分的利用。因此探究生物炭和AM真菌对矿区土壤的改良效果,可为矿区污染土壤生态恢复和新型肥料的开发提供参考。【方法】温室盆栽试验的土壤采自河南省洛阳市新安县江春矿区,以玉米"弘单897"为试验材料。试验设计4个处理,分别为原状土壤对照(CK)、添加生物炭(B)、接种AM真菌(M)、添加生物炭和接种AM真菌(BM),每处理重复8次,完全随机区组设计,玉米于矿区土壤中培育2个月后收获,测定根系生长、生理特性和土壤养分含量。【结果】施用生物炭和接种AM真菌均能够促进玉米生长,提高玉米叶片的净光合速率(P_n)、蒸腾速率(T_r)、气孔导度(G_s)、叶色值(SPAD值)和抗氧化酶活性,提高土壤养分含量。接种AM真菌对促进玉米生长、改善生理特性和磷吸收的效果优于生物炭,而生物炭提高土壤pH值和玉米对钾吸收的效果较好。生物炭和AM真菌联合处理玉米的总根长、根部和地上部干重分别较CK增加了84.22%、176.67%和45.84%,玉米叶片的净光合速率、蒸腾速率、气孔导度分别较对照提高35.42%、56.44%和88.31%,叶色值比CK提高了22.77%,菌根侵染率较CK提高234.20%,菌丝密度可达到4.37 m/g,总球囊霉素和易提取球囊霉素分别达到4.32 g/kg和1.60 g/kg,有机质、碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾含量分别较对照提高24.23%、43.26%、98.63%和33.93%。【结论】生物炭和AM真菌单独或复合处理均能够促进玉米生长和提高土壤养分有效性,生物炭和AM真菌联合处理可促进玉米生长、改善生理特性、促进养分吸收、提高土壤养分效果,可作为退化土壤生态修复和农业生产安全的一项有效措施。     

Biochar‐compost substrates in short‐rotation coppice: Effects on soil and trees in a three‐year field experiment

Both biochar and compost may improve carbon sequestration and soil fertility; hence, it has been recommended to use a mixture of both for sustainable land management. Here, we evaluated the effects of biochar–compost substrates on soil properties and plant growth in short rotation coppice plantations (SRC). For this purpose, we planted the tree species poplar, willow, and alder in a no‐till field experiment, each of them amended in triplicate with 0 (= control) or 30 Mg ha^?1 compost or biochar–compost substrates containing 15% vol. (TPS15) and 30% vol. biochar (TPS30). For three years running, we analyzed plant growth as well as soil pH, potential cation exchange capacity (CEC), stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, and plant‐available phosphate and potassium oxide.Biochar‐compost substrates affected most soil properties only in the topsoil and for a limited period of time. The CEC and total stocks of SOC were consistently elevated relative to the control. After three years the C gain of up to 6.4 Mg SOC ha^?1 in the TPS30 plots was lower than the added C amount. Especially in the case of TPS30 treatment, C input was characterized by the greatest losses after application, although the black carbon of the biochar was not degraded in soil. Additionally, tree growth and woody biomass yield did not respond at all to the treatments. Overall, there were few if any indications that biochar–compost substrates improve the performance of SRC under temperate soil and climate conditions. Therefore, the use of biochar for such systems is not recommended.     

Insight into modified biochars and their immobilizing effects on heavy metal(loid)s in contaminated soils: Mechanisms and influencing factors

Soil contamination by heavy metal(loid)s is a considerable environmental concern, and immobilization is a promising way to reduce toxicity. In recent years, modified/engineered biochars have gained enormous attention for their use in soil remediation, and various studies have reported notable results from their application and their ability to immobilize heavy metal(loid)s. In this review, a summary of publications on the utilization of modified biochars is presented to address the heavy metal(l...