Greenhouse gas emissions and soil properties following amendment with manure-derived biochars: Influence of pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type. (15th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Subedi, Raghunath; Taupe, Natalie; Pelissetti, Simone; Petruzzelli, Laura; Bertora, Chiara; Leahy, James J.; Grignani, Carlo
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 166(2016)
• Page Start: 73
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2016-01-15
• Subjects: Biochar -- Pyrolysis temperature -- Feedstock -- Greenhouse gases -- C sequestration -- Nitrate leaching -- Physico-chemical properties; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.10.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Manure-derived biochars can offer a potential option for the stabilization of manure, while mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and the attenuation of nitrous oxide emission. A laboratory incubation study was conducted to assess the effects of four different manure-derived biochars produced from different feedstocks (poultry litter and swine manure) at different temperatures (400 or 600 °C). A commonly available standard wood chip biochar, produced at a greater temperature (1000 °C), and non-amended treatments were used as references. Two different soils (sandy and silt-loam) were amended with 2% (w/w) biochar on a dry soil weight basis (corresponding to 20 Mg ha −1 ), with the soil moisture being adjusted to 75% saturation level. After a pre-incubation period (21 days), 170 kg N ha −1 of NH4 NO3 fertilizer was added. Measurements of CO2, N2 O, CH4 emissions and soil N mineralisation were carried out on different days during the 85 days of incubation. The net C mineralization and N2 O emissions from both soils amended with poultry litter biochar at 400 °C were significantly greater than the other biochar treatments. Nitrate availability was greater in both soils in which the manure-derived biochar was used instead of the standard biochar. All of the biochars increased the pH of the silt-loam, sub-acid soil, but failed to improve the cation exchange capacities (CEC) in either soil. Total C and N, P, K and Mg (except Ca) were significantly increased in the manure-derived biochar amended soils, compared to the Control, and were positively correlated to the biochar nutrient contents. This study indicates that the soil application of biochar engenders effects that can vary considerably according to the biochar properties, as determined on the basis of the feedstock types and process conditions. Low-temperature biochar production from manure represents a possible way of producing a soil amendment that can stabilize C while supplying a significant quantity of nutrients. Highlights: Manure biochars were rich in soil available nutrients than standard wood biochar. NO3 − and SO4 2− availability were higher in manure biochar than in standard biochar. Low temperature manure biochars significantly increased both N2 O and CO2 emissions. Both N2 O, CO2 emissions were positively correlated with biochar VM and N contents. Manure biochars were less effective in C sequestration compared to standard biochar.