Journal article
Biochar co-applied with organic amendments increased soil-plant potassium and root biomass but not crop yield
Journal of Soils and Sediments, Vol.21(2), pp.784-798
2021
Abstract
Purpose: Biochar can improve soil nutrient retention and alleviate salinity; however, use is not widespread due to cost. Biochar is usually co-applied with a full-rate of supplementary fertiliser before planting. This study investigated co-application of bamboo biochar with organic fertiliser and amendments on nutrient cycling, plant growth, yield and commercial value of ginger. Methods: Four treatments were applied including no amendment, organic amendments and organic amendments co-applied with biochar at two applications rates of 10 t ha−1 and 30 t ha−1. Plant growth, biomass, foliar nutrient and water-extractable soil nutrients were examined. Results: Co-applied high rate biochar increased available soil potassium (K) concentration (+ 89%) over 22 weeks and led to increased foliar K concentration (+ 25%) at harvest and after 30 weeks compared with organic amendments alone. Biochar high rate decreased soil sodium concentration (− 22%) over 22 weeks. Biochar high rate increased root mass fraction and plant height but decreased the number of stems, and therefore, did not increase aboveground biomass compared with all other treatments. In contrast, ginger rhizome yield, grade and commercial value were not affected by biochar treatments. Conclusion: Added biochar provided additional net K that improved foliar concentration late in the growing season following dissolution. The additional K supply then stimulated root growth and biomass re-allocation despite daily irrigation throughout the growing season. Therefore, we suggest biochar as a useful amendment to prevent nutrient loss and alleviate salinity for organic crops.
Details
- Title
- Biochar co-applied with organic amendments increased soil-plant potassium and root biomass but not crop yield
- Authors
- Michael B Farrar (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyHelen M Wallace (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - LegacyCheng-Yuan Xu (Author) - Central Queensland UniversityStephen Joseph (Author) - UNSW AustraliaPeter K Dunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - LegacyThi Thu Nhan Nguyen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - LegacyShahla Hosseini Bai (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science and Engineering - Legacy
- Publication details
- Journal of Soils and Sediments, Vol.21(2), pp.784-798
- Publisher
- Springer
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11368-020-02846-2
- ISSN
- 1614-7480
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; School of Science and Engineering - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99506007102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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