Phosphorus bioavailability of biochars produced by thermo‐chemical conversion. Issue 1 (3rd December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weber, Bernd; Stadlbauer, Ernst A.; Schlich, Elmar; Eichenauer, Sabrina; Kern, Juergen; Steffens, Diedrich
• Is Part Of: Journal of plant nutrition and soil science. Volume 177:Issue 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 90
• Publication Date: 2013-12-03
• Subjects: Plants -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Soil science -- Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/jpln.201300281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1436-8730

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Recycling of P is a common strategy in efficient use of P. The aims of our investigation were to study the P extractability of biochars produced by low temperature conversion and to determine the effect of soda application on low‐temperature conversion of organic compounds and the bioavailability of P to rye grass (<italic>Lolium perenne</italic> L., cv. Grazer). In this study canola cake, dried distillers grains with solubles, and meat‐and‐bone meal were converted to biochars with thermo‐chemical conversion at 400°C. The P availability was measured in terms of solubility in water, 2% citric, and 2% formic acid, and in a pot experiment with rye grass (<italic>Lolium perenne</italic> L.) which was cut three times. Application of 8% (w/w) soda to the process of thermo‐chemical conversion of canola cake, dried distillers grains with soluble and meat‐and‐bone meal resulted in an increase of water‐, 2% citric‐, and 2% formic‐acid‐extractable P in the biochars. In contrast to the application of soda, addition of 12% wood ash (w/w) to the conversion of dried distillers grains with solubles resulted in a lower increase of water‐soluble P in the corresponding biochar compared to processing biochar without additives. Addition of biochar P (100 mg P [kg soil]<sup>–1</sup>) to a Luvisol resulted in an increase of CAL‐extractable soil P. The P uptake of rye grass from biochars produced with the addition of soda was as effective as basic slag and MgNH<sub>4</sub> phosphate fertilizers and even better than rock phosphate.</p> </abstract>