Biochar improves compost humification, maturity and mitigates nitrogen loss during the vermicomposting of cattle manure-maize straw. (1st January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gong, Xiaoqiang; Zou, Lan; Wang, Li; Zhang, Bo; Jiang, Junxian
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 325:Part B(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-01
• Subjects: Bamboo biochar -- Rice husk biochar -- Bacterial diversity -- Nitrogen transformation -- Vermicomposting -- Maturity; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116432
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Maintaining humidification and inhibiting nitrogen losses during vermicomposting process have emerged to be key factors for high-quality productions. Previous data have showed outstanding functions of biochar addition in improving vermicomposting quality. In this study, the influence of bamboo biochar (BB) and rice husk biochar (RHB) addition on compost maturity, humification and nitrogen loss was evaluated in the vermicomposting of cattle manure and maize straw. Results revealed that BB or RHB amendment improved organic matter decomposition, enhanced humification and maturity of compost, particularly in the 10% BB treatment, which exerted the highest humic acids content and GI value. Furthermore, BB or RHB addition significantly reduced nitrogen losses, in which the volatilization of NH3 and N2 O were reduced by 24.93%–66.23% and 14.91%–55.12%. The fewest nitrogen loss was detected in the treatment of 10% BB. Biochar inhibited nirK, nirS but promoted AOB-amoA, nosZ expression; fewer N2 O producing bacteria ( Pseudomonas, Devosia, Luteimonas genus) were observed in the biochar treatment, and thereby decreased the N2 O emission. Therefore, 10% BB addition for co-vermicomposting cattle manure and maize straw is an efficient way to increase humification, maturity, and reduce nitrogen loss, and future applications following this strategy is believed to generate better productions. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Bamboo biochar (BB) and rice husk biochar (RHB) promoted humification. The highest value of germination index occurred in the treatment of 10% BB amendment. BB and RHB increased the nitrogen conservation by reducing the N2 O and NH3 emissions. BB and RHB inhibited nirK, nirS but promoted nosZ expression to reduce N2 O emissions.