Aggregated fly ash as a medium amendment for the production of container grown nursery stock

Abstract

Royal beauty cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri C. K. Schneid, ‘Royal Beauty') and Hicksii taxus (Taxus x media Rehd. ‘Hicksii') were grown in media amended with several levels of aggregated fly ash. In general, no differences in root or shoot growth was noted in either species as a result of the media in which they were produced. Higher than normal B levels were observed in the leaf tissue of taxus as the level of the aggregated fly ash in the media increased, while no differences in B levels were noted in the leaf tissue of the cotoneaster. Both Cu and B concentrations in the root tissue of taxus increased with increasing levels of aggregated fly ash in the media, while the level of P in the root tissue decreased under the same conditions.     

Use of organic amendment as a strategy for saline soil remediation: Influence on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil

The effectiveness of adding two organic wastes (cotton gin crushed compost, CGCC, and poultry manure, PM) to a saline soil (Salorthidic Fluvaquent) in dryland conditions near Seville (Guadalquivir Valley, Andalusia, Spain) was studied during a period of 5 years. Organic wastes were applied at rates of 5 and 10 t organic matter ha⁻¹. One year after the assay began, spontaneous vegetation had appeared in the treated plots, particularly in that receiving a high PM dose. After 5 years the plant cover in this treated plot was around 80% (compared with the 8% of the control soil). The effect on the soils physical and chemical properties, soil microbial biomass, and six soil enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, urease, protease, β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, and phosphatase activities) were ascertained. Both added organic wastes had a positive effect on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, although at the end of the experimental period, the soil physical properties, such as bulk density, increased more significantly in the CGCC-amended soils (23%) and the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) decreased more significantly in the CGCC-amended soils (50%) compared to the unamended soil. Water soluble carbohydrates and soil biochemical properties were higher in the PM-amended soils compared to the CGCC-amended soils (by 70% for water soluble carbohydrates, and by 34, 18, 37, 39, 40 and 30% for urease, protease, β-glucosidase, phosphatase, arylsulfatase and dehydrogenase activities, respectively). After 5 years, the percentage of plant cover was >50% in all treated plots and 8% in the control soil.     

玉米茎秆汁液防治坡面土壤侵蚀的室内模拟试验

该文通过室内人工模拟降雨试验,研究了地表施加玉米茎秆汁液对降雨产流产沙强度的影响,旨在探索玉米茎秆汁液是否可以作为土壤改良剂来减少产流产沙强度。试验设计了2种玉米茎秆汁液的施加量(400和800 g)、4种施加浓度(10%、25%、50%和75%)和4种降雨强度(50、25、75、100 mm/h)。结果表明,各施加浓度和施加量的玉米茎秆汁液都能够减少降雨产流产沙强度,且相同条件下的产沙强度减小程度大于产流强度减小程度。当玉米茎秆汁液的施加量为400 g时,随着施加浓度从10%增加至25%、50%和75%,减流百分比分别为31.243%、31.685%、34.595%和39.475%,减沙百分比分别为23.167%、41.993%、37.918%和64.606%;当玉米茎秆汁液的施加量为800 g时,随着施加浓度从10%增加至25%、50%、75%,减流百分比分别为37.583%、56.433%、63.170%和76.360%,减沙百分比分别为48.214%、77.219%、88.572%和95.539%。当施加量和降雨强度相同时,产流产沙强度与施加浓度之间呈显著的指数函数递减关系,产沙强度随降雨强度的变化呈显著的幂函数递增关系。当施加量为400 g时,各施加浓度下的产流强度与降雨强度之间呈显著的线性函数递增关系,当施加量为800 g时,各施加浓度下的产流强度随降雨强度呈显著的指数函数递增关系。研究为水力侵蚀的防治提供了新思路,为水蚀荒漠化的防治提供了新方法。     

Log yard fines as a soil amendment: Pot and field studies

Abstract

This study evaluated the application of high levels of log yard fines (LYF), produced by the screening of log yard residues, as a soil amendment/additive. In both pot and field studies, plant growth decreased as LYF application rate increased. LYF immobilized nitrogen (N) and reduced its availability to plants. In the pot study, both alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerota L.) had low yields at the first harvest but much higher yields at the second harvest, indicating that N immobilization decreased with time. Alfalfa growth was superior to orchard grass in the LYF‐amended pot soil due to its ability to fix N. LYF provided mineral nutrients and organic matter, lowered soil density, and also improved soil moisture retention properties. This study suggested that LYF could be used as a N‐immobilizing mulch or as a soil amendment/additive for marginal farmland when fertilized adequately and allowed to stabilize in the soil.     

Evaluation of fly ash as a soil amendment for the Atlantic Coastal Plain: II. Soil chemical properties and crop growth

Crop yields in the Atlantic Coastal Plain of the U.S.A. are limited by the low moisture-holding capacities of the sandy soils common to the region. Corn was grown in a Hammonton loamy sand soil amended with fly ash (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40%) to determine if the ash rates required to improve soil moisture holding capacity would adversely affect plant growth, or soil and plant levels of nutrients and heavy metals. Fly ash increased soil test levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, B, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb. Nutrient concentrations in plants grown in the ash-amended soils, except P, Mn, and B, remained within established sufficiency ranges. The 20 and 40% ash rates increased soil soluble salt (EC) levels from 0.2 to 1.1–1.5 and 1.7–2.1 mmho cm^?1, soil pH from 5.6 to 6.0–6.4 or 6.3–6.9, and extractable B from 0.2 to 2.2–5.9 and 2.2–9.0 mg kg^?1. Fly ash reduced corn germination, delayed seedling emergence, and reduced root and shoot dry weights. Plant B concentrations at the 40% ash rate were in the phytotoxic range (136–189 mg kg^?1). Management practices that allow for pre-leaching of B and soluble salts will likely be required to attain satisfactory corn growth in ash-amended soils.     

Evaluation of fly ash as a soil amendment for the Atlantic Coastal Plain: I. Soil hydraulic properties and elemental leaching

A major limitation to crop yields in the Atlantic Coastal Plain is drought stress caused by the low moisture-holding capacities of the coarse-textured soils common to the area. Because coal fly ash is comprised primarily of silt and clay-sized particles, it has the potential, if applied at high enough rates, to permanently change soil texture and increase moisture holding capacity. A series of soil column studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of high rates of fly ash on soil hydraulic properties and elemental leaching of trace metals and boron. Fly ash from two Delaware power plants (EM=Edgemoor and IR=Indian River) was incorporated in a Hammonton loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, mesic, Typic Hapludults) at six rates (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, by weight). The effect of fly ash on soil moisture holding capacity, hydraulic conductivity, and wetting front velocity was determined. Leachates from columns amended with 30% fly ash were analyzed for B, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn. Soil moisture holding capacity was increased from 12% in the soil alone to 25% in the soil amended with 30% fly ash. Boron and soluble salts leached rapidly from ash amended soils while only trace quantities of Cd, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn were detected in column leachates.     

Response of tall fescue to composted sewage sludge used as a soil amendment

A pot experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to investigate the effects of composted sewage sludge as a soil amendment on growth and mineral composition of ‘Mustang’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Three desert soils (loamy sand, sandy loam, clay) were amended with two different composted sewage sludges (city and county) at rates of 0, 7.5, 15, 30 and 60% by volume. Tall fescue was grown in the amended soils for four months. Growth rates, measured as harvested clippings, increased with sludge loading rate and also with clay content of the soil. Higher growth rates were maintained with the city as compared to the county sludge, although for both sources, growth declined for most treatments after nine weeks. Turf color ratings and percent N in the tissue increased with sludge loading rate and were highly correlated. Tissue analysis indicated a varied response between soil types.     

Cyanide in paper de‐inking sludge used as a soil amendment

Paper de‐inking sludge is processed during the recycling of paper, and is sometimes used as a soil amendment. In this study the effect of a compost application on the cyanide (CN) status in soils of a public park was investigated. The compost was a mixture of chipped limbs and paper de‐inking sludge. Furthermore, the cyanide solubility was studied by conducting batch experiments with different pH levels. Total cyanide in the amended soils ranged from 540 to 740 mg CN kg^—1, and water soluble cyanide from 170 to 370 μg CN l^—1 as determined by means of an aqueous extract. Easily‐liberatable cyanides, which include the toxic free cyanide (HCN and CN^—) and weak metal‐cyanide complexes, were not present in the soil. From this result and the fact that iron blue pigments are used during paper printing, it can be inferred that cyanides occurring here were exclusively stable iron‐cyanide complexes [Fe(CN)₆]. With increasing pH the solubility of cyanide increased. In contrast to soils of coking plants, in which cyanide occur as Berlin blue, Fe₄[Fe(CN)₆]₃, the cyanide solubility in the paper de‐inking sludge amended soils was substantially lower, especially in the neutral and alkaline range. Thus, cyanides in paper de‐inking sludge could be present as sparingly soluble metal‐cyanide compounds with the general formula A₂B[Fe^II(CN)₆] with A = K⁺, Na⁺ and B = Ca²⁺ or divalent transition metals and B₂[Fe^II(CN)₆] with B = divalent transition metals. Pollution exposure by the pathways soil → human, and soil → air → human can be neglected. However, since leaching of iron‐cyanide complexes into the ground water cannot be excluded, and since they are decomposed to HCN when exposed to day light, environmental hazards by the pathway soil → ground water → surface water are possible. This is the risk arising from paper de‐inking sludge applications to soils.     

Improvement of physical and hydraulic properties of desert soil with amendment of different biochars

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of amendment of different biochars on the physical and hydraulic properties of desert soil.

Materials and methods

Biochars were produced with woodchip, rice straw, and dairy manure at temperatures of 300 and 700 °C, respectively. Each biochar at 5% (w/w) was mixed with desert soil, and the mixtures were incubated for 120 days.

Results and discussion

The different biochar treatments greatly reduced soil bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Especially the rice straw biochar addition resulted in the lowest saturated hydraulic conductivities among the treatments. Biochar addition significantly increased water retention of desert soil at any suction. At the same suction and experimental time, the treatment with the rice straw biochar produced at the lower temperature resulted in higher water content than the other treatments. The biochar additions slightly enhanced formation of soil macro-aggregates in the early experimental time. However, the aggregate contents gradually decreased with time due to the lack of effective binding agents (e.g., soil organic matter and clay minerals).

Conclusions

The changes of hydraulic properties of desert soil were attributable to the biochar properties. The higher fine particle content, porosity, and surface hydrophilicity of rice straw biochars were the most beneficial properties to increase soil water retention and to reduce water flow in the desert soil. The improvement of hydraulic properties by biochar addition may provide a potential solution to combat desertification.

     

蚌壳用作土壤改良剂：对根际和非根际土壤和草地生产力的影响

Large quantities of mussel shells(66 000-94 000 t year 1),an alkaline material that can be used as a soil amendment,are generated as waste in Galicia,NW Spain.A field trial was carried out by planting different pasture species in a Haplic Umbrisol using a randomized block design with four blocks and six treatments(not amended control or soil amended with lime,finely ground shell,coarsely ground shell,finely ground calcined shell or coarsely ground calcined shell) to compare the effects of lime and mussel shells additions on a soil with a low cation exchange capacity and high Al saturation.The trial was established in March 2007,and samples of plants and soil were collected when plots were harvested in summer 2008(separating the bulk and rhizosphere soil).The soils were analyzed for pH,total C,total N,available P,exchangeable cations,effective cation exchange capacity and available micronutrients.Dry matter yield was measured in all plots and plants were analyzed for nutrients.Application of mussel shells and the commercial lime resulted in an increase in pH and exchangeable Ca and a decrease in exchangeable Al and Al saturation.The stability of pH over time was high.These effects were most noticeable in the rhizosphere.The amendment also had a positive effect on dry matter yield and concentration of Ca in the plant.     

Newsprint pulp and paper sludge as a soil additive/ amendment for alfalfa and bluegrass: Greenhouse study

Abstract

A newsprint, pulp and paper sludge was evaluated as a soil additive/amendment at 0, 8, 15, 31, 62, 123, and 246 Mgfta for growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and bluegrass (Poa pratensis) under greenhouse conditions. Bluegrass biomass increased by 300%, and protein content increased by 27% at 246 Mg/ha compared to the unamended soil. Alfalfa biomass was unaffected by sludge application rate, but protein content increased by 12%. No net nitrogen (N) immobilization was observed. A comparison of single and double exponential N mineralization models showed that the two pool model more closely fit the N mineralization data obtained from a laboratory incubation study. The two pool model was then used to develop linear regression equations to estimate appropriate sludge application rates based on the rate of N mineralization.     

The use of sewage sludge as soil amendment. The need for an ecotoxicological evaluation

Background, aim, and scope  Sewage sludge use in agriculture should be limited by the presence of metals and other persistent environmental pollutants. The present study aims to contribute for the definition of a test battery of ecotoxicological assays that allows a proper ecotoxicological characterization of sludges, providing information on their potential hazard and identified “safe” application levels. Materials and methods  Three sludges from distinct sources (urban, olive-processing, and electroplating industries) were tested using avoidance and reproduction tests with earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and springtails (Folsomia candida) and plant growth tests with turnips (Brassica rapa) and oats (Avena sativa). Different soil–sludge mixture concentrations mimicking recommended/realistic field dosages were tested. Results  Only the sludge from the electroplating industry induced an avoidance response from the earthworms (EC₅₀ = 0.4 t/ha) and collembolans (no observed effect concentration (NOEC) = 15 t/ha). This sludge was the only sludge responsible for any effect on the reproductive output of the earthworms (EC₅₀ = 7.74 t/ha). Regarding collembolans, none of the sludges tested caused any significant decrease in reproduction. In higher plant tests, the two industrial sludges were toxic, causing a decrease growth in both species. The EC₂₀ values determined for B. rapa were 20.3 and 24.2 t/ha and for A. sativa 14.7 and 16.2 t/ha for sludges from olive-processing and electroplating industries, respectively. Discussion  The metal loadings of the different test sludges could partially explain the results obtained. The toxicity of the test sludge from electroplating industry observed on the tested invertebrates and plants could be explained by the high amount of total chromium from which 22.3% was in the most toxic oxidation state—Cr(VI). However, the toxicity caused by the sludge from the olive-processing industry in the test plants could be attributed to the presence of other compounds (not measured in this study) since the metal content was not high enough to induce such an effect. The absence of toxicity showed by the urban test sludge was in agreement with its low levels of metals. Conclusions  The response of the different test organisms and end points varied according to the sludge type. The urban sludge was non-toxic whereas the sludge from the electroplating industry caused a toxic effect on almost all parameters measured (avoidance behavior of both test organisms, reproduction of earthworms, and growth of both plant species). Sludge from the olive-processing industry only caused a toxic effect on growth of both plant species. By analyzing the sensitivity of the different parameters for the most toxic sludge, it was found that avoidance and reproduction were more sensitive than plant growth, whereas plant seed germination was not sensitive at all. Recommendations and perspectives  The ecotoxicological evaluation of wastes can be used as an environmental safety control of sludge use in agriculture. A tiered approach could be adopted for this purpose, incorporating avoidance tests in the first tier (screening level) and reproduction and plant growth tests in a second tier. But more evidence aiming to define the most suitable ecotoxicological test battery for specific sludges with a different contamination profile is still needed.     

Phosphorus release from cattle manure ash as soil amendment in laboratory-scale tests

ABSTRACT

Excessive application of animal manure to farmland leads to phosphorus (P) loss into the surrounding water. Manure is incinerated to convert it to P-rich ash as a slow-release P fertilizer. However, the potential P loss and P availability for plants from cattle manure ash (CMA) have not been fully understood. The aims of this study were to determine the P release mechanism from CMA and to propose appropriate application rates that mitigate P loss and increase available P to soil in Fukushima, where the soil is deficient in nutrients after the replacement of cesium-137-contaminated soil with sandy mountain soil. Different P fractions in CMA were sequentially extracted with H₂O, 0.5 M NaHCO₃, 0.1 M NaOH, and 1 M HCl. Phosphorus contents in different fractions of CMA were in the order of HCl–P > NaHCO₃–P > H₂O–P > NaOH–P. Water-soluble P release of CMA was also determined by kinetic experiments for 120 h. Results showed that total water-soluble P accounted for a maximum of 2.9% of total P in CMA over 120 h due to recalcitrant P compounds formed through incineration. The Fukushima sandy soil amended with CMA at three application rates, 94, 157, and 314 mg P kg^?1 (corresponding to 300, 500, 1000 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) was incubated for 56 days. Cattle manure compost and KH₂PO₄ were applied at 157 mg P kg^?1 for comparison. Phosphorus release in water and CaCl₂ solution from ash-amended soil was significantly lower than those from compost and KH₂PO₄-amended soil at the same P application rate of 157 mg P kg^?1 (p < 0.05). Available P in ash-amended soil, determined by Fe-oxide impregnated strips, was not significantly different from those in compost-amended soil after day 7 and KH₂PO₄-amended soil on day 56 at the same P application rate. Thus, CMA reduces P losses from soil to the surrounding water while it increases P availability for plants. In comparison of different rates of CMA, P release in water or CaCl₂ was significantly greater at 314 mg P kg^?1 than at 94 or 157 mg P kg^?1, while the percentage of available P to total P was the lowest at the highest application rate (p < 0.05), suggesting that the best application rates were 94 and 157 mg P kg^?1 in this experiment.     

Paper pulp as an amendment to a tropical acid soil: Effects on growth of rye grass

Abstract

Paper pulp was evaluated, with reference to lime, as a soil amendment to a tropical acid soil (typic Kandiudult). Rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) was grown under greenhouse conditions. Amendments were applied at rates to attain target pH values of 5.5,6.0, and 6.5. Paper pulp and lime were equally effective in increasing dry matter production. Similar to lime, paper pulp provided high calcium (Ca) inputs and alleviated aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) toxicity. Paper pulp can be applied to a tropical acid soil as a lime substitute.     

Using soil organic matter fractions as indicators of soil physical quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of chemical and physical fractions of soil organic matter (SOM ), rather than SOM per se , as indicators of soil physical quality (SPQ ) based on their effect on aggregate stability (AS ). Chemically extracted humic and fulvic acids (HA and FA ) were used as chemical fractions, and heavy and light fractions (HF and LF ) obtained by density separation as physical fractions. The analyses were conducted on medium‐textured soils from tropical and temperate regions under cropland and pasture. Results show that soil organic carbon (SOC ), SOM fractions and AS appear to be affected by land use regardless of the origin of the soils. A general separation of structurally stable and unstable soils between samples of large and small SOC content, respectively, was observed. SOM fractions did not show a better relationship with AS than SOC per se . In both geographical regions, soils under cropland showed the smallest content of SOC , HA and carbon concentration in LF and HF , and the largest HF /LF ratio (proportion of the HF and LF in percent by mass of bulk soil). With significant associations between AS and SOC content (0.79**), FA /SOC (r  = −0.83*^*), HA /FA (r  = 0.58*^*), carbon concentration of LF (r  = 0.69*^*) and HF (r  = 0.70*^*) and HF /LF ratio (r  = 0.80*^*), cropland showed lowest AS . These associations indicate that SOM fractions provide information about differences in SOM quality in relation to AS and SPQ of soils from tropical and temperate regions under cropland and pasture.     

Temporal variation of total and DTPA-extractable heavy metal contents as influenced by sewage sludge and perlite in a calcareous soil

Continuous application of sewage sludge (SS) as a source of organic matter, may increase available heavy metals (HMs) up to their critical levels. As a consequence their uptake by plants, risks of accumulation in food chain and groundwater pollution increases. To evaluate the effects of perlite and SS on total content and available fraction of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) over 45 and 90 days a completely randomized pot experiment was conducted. Treatments consisted of SS (0, 2 and 4%) and combined SS and perlite levels (1:1, 1.5:0.5 and 0.5:1.5% SS:perlite). Mean available Fe, Ni, Cd, Mn and Zn fractions decreased over time by 7–27%, whereas, total contents did not change. Available HMs in SS-treated soils increased by 0.5–25%; whereas, only total Zn, Cu and Pb concentrations increased with SS application (although concentrations fall in the range of critical levels). The lowest (1.6 fold) and highest (22.1 fold) increases obtained for available Cu and Zn, respectively. Perlite could mitigate the adverse effect of high rate application of SS on amplification of HMs extractability. Therefore, their concomitant applications can be suggested considering the perlite durability and its positive effects on soil physical properties.     

堆肥对泥炭基质中重金属、氮、磷的影响

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effect of compost amendment on mobility and leaching potential of heavy metals, nitrogen （N） and phosphorus （P） from a peat-based commercial container medium containing 700 g kg^-1 peat, 200 g kg^-1 perlite and 100 g kg^-1 vermiculite at varying amendment rates of compost （0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 L L^-1）. Increasing compost amendment significantly and linearly increased the pH （P 〈 0.01）, the total concentrations of organic carbon （P 〈 0.05）, copper （Cu） （P 〈 0.01）, cadmium （ca） （P 〈 0.01）, and lead （Pb） （P 〈 0.01）, and increased the bulk density （P 〈 0.01） of the medium. The electrical conductivity （EC）, and total N and P of the medium increased significantly （P 〈 0.01） and quadratically with increasing compost amendment. The relationship of the C/N ratio of the medium with the compost amendment rate was decreasing, significant （P 〈 0.01） and cubic, while that of the total Zn was increasing, significant （P 〈 0.01） and cubic. Extractable P, NO3-N, and NH4-N increased initially with an increasing compost amendment of up to 0.50 L L^-1 and then decreased with further increasing compost rate. Increasing compost rates resulted in a highly significant （P 〈 0.01） and linear increase in total Cd, Cu, and Pb, and a highly significant （P 〈 0.01） and cubic increase in total Zn in the medium. Increasing compost rates also significantly （P 〈 0.01） increased extractable Cu （linearly） and Zn （quadratically）, but significantly （P 〈 0.01） decreased extractable Pb （linearly）. There was no significant effect of compost amendment on the extractable Cd concentration in the medium. However, with increasing compost rates from 0.25 to 1.00 L L^-1, extractability of P, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn （extractable concentration as a percent of total） was decreased, indicating that compost amendment could lower the leachability of these elements from the medium.     

磷石膏改良剂对江苏如东滨海盐土理化性状及小麦生长的影响

江苏沿海地区有大量的滨海盐土,植物难以生长,如能改良,是一种重要的农业资源。本文以如东滩涂滨海盐土为研究对象,采用室内盆栽试验,研究施用磷石膏改良剂对滨海盐土的改良效果。结果表明：磷石膏改良剂能有效的促进小麦的生长,改良剂5的小麦株高比对照2增加47.4%和68.3%,生物量分别增加66.7%和74.4%;随着磷石膏改良剂的用量增加,土壤的养分含量逐渐提高,特别是速效磷,改良剂5比对照1分别增加245.8%和463.4%;土壤盐分由原来的有害氯化钠盐占主导转变为对植物无害的硫酸盐,优化了土壤盐分组合;同时土壤的PH下降,与对照1比,下降幅度分别为7.4%和13.7%,且PH值与磷石膏改良剂的用量呈负相关,说明磷石膏对滨海盐土有很好的改良效果。     

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.