Dissertation
Effects of Biochar on Nitrogen Cycling and Plant Ecophysiology in Cropping Systems
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00644
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important nutrients regulating plant growth. However, soil degradation due to agricultural intensification has resulted in poor soil fertility including loss of N. Biochar is a promising soil additive to reduce N loss and improve soil fertility. The interaction between biochar and soil changes N dynamics in different ecosystems. Many studies have investigated dynamics of soil inorganic N (SIN), the available N forms for plant uptake, following biochar application but their results are contradictory. To date, there has not been a synthesised study (meta-analysis) to assess the overall effects of biochar on SIN. There is also a paucity of information on how biochar affects soil microbial community structure, especially the taxonomic groups involved in N in long term, because important N processes in soil are mediated by microbes. Few studies to date have explored long-term field effects of biochar or how repeated applications of biochar affect soil microbial diversity. Also, since plants take up N from soil and N is an essential element of plant tissue as well as photosynthesis machinery, biochar is expected to influence plant ecophysiology and photosynthesis. Yet, the mechanisms of those influences are poorly studied. Biochar has been reported to benefit both soil and plants; however, applying biochar at high rates is not economically viable. Thus, options such as nutrient-intense and slow N release biochar fertilisers need to be explored.
Details
- Title
- Effects of Biochar on Nitrogen Cycling and Plant Ecophysiology in Cropping Systems
- Authors
- Thi Thu Nhan Nguyen
- Contributors
- Helen M Wallace (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00644
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450582402621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
Metrics
110 File views/ downloads
982 Record Views