Changes in δ15N in a soil–plant system under different biochar feedstocks and application rates

Frederique Reverchon; Robert C Flicker; Hong Yang; Guijun Yan; Zhihong Xu; Chengrong Chen; Shahla Hosseini Bai; Dongke Zhang

doi:10.1007/s00374-013-0850-2

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Changes in δ15N in a soil–plant system under different biochar feedstocks and application rates

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Changes in δ15N in a soil–plant system under different biochar feedstocks and application rates

Frederique Reverchon, Robert C Flicker, Hong Yang, Guijun Yan, Zhihong Xu, Chengrong Chen, Shahla Hosseini Bai and Dongke Zhang

Biology and Fertility of Soils, Vol.50(2), pp.275-283

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-013-0850-2

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Abstract

Jarrah biochar

Pine biochar

nutrient enrichment

nitrogen cycling

isotopic composition

The application of biochar in soils has been hypothesised to improve soil quality whilst enhancing carbon (C) sequestration. However, its effect on nitrogen (N) dynamics in the soil-plant system is still not fully understood. In the present work, N isotope composition (δ15N) was used to facilitate the understanding of the processes involved in the N cycling when biochar is applied. We evaluated, through a wheat pot trial, the effect of different application rates of two types of biochar produced from jarrah and pine woodchips on the wheat biomass at harvest and on the soil and plant C and N contents and δ15N. In addition, the potential benefit of using nutrient-saturated biochar for the soil-plant system was also investigated. Whilst biochar produced from different feedstocks had similar effects on soil and plant nutrient contents, they induced differences in wheat grain biomass and plant δ15N. The effect of the biochar application rate was more pronounced, and at rates higher than 29 t ha-1, the application of biochar decreased grain biomass by up to 39 % and potentially increased N losses. Isotopic analyses indicated that this acceleration of N dynamics had probably occurred before the stage of wheat grain formation. The application of nutrient-enriched biochar resulted in an improved wheat grain production, most likely due to the enhanced nutrient availability, and in reduced N cycling rates in the plant-soil system, which could offset the competition between biochar and plants for nutrients and could decrease adverse environmental impacts due to N losses.

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Title: Changes in δ15N in a soil–plant system under different biochar feedstocks and application rates
Authors: Frederique Reverchon (Author) - Griffith University
Robert C Flicker (Author) - University of Western Australia
Hong Yang (Author) - University of Western Australia
Guijun Yan (Author) - University of Western Australia
Zhihong Xu (Author) - Griffith University
Chengrong Chen (Author) - Griffith University
Shahla Hosseini Bai (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Dongke Zhang (Author) - University of Western Australia
Publication details: Biology and Fertility of Soils, Vol.50(2), pp.275-283
Publisher: Springer
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.1007/s00374-013-0850-2
ISSN: 0178-2762
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448807202621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Soil Science

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