Agronomic and environmental performance of biochar amendment in alluvial soils under subtropical sugarcane production. Issue 3 (30th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tafti, Negar; Wang, Jim; Gaston, Lewis; Park, Jong‐Hwan; Wang, Meng; Pensky, Scott
• Is Part Of: Agrosystems, geosciences & environment. Volume 4:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-08-30
• Subjects: Agriculture -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Soil science -- Periodicals; Food science -- Periodicals; Food science; Agriculture; Agriculture -- Environmental aspects; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 630
• DOI: 10.1002/agg2.20209
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2639-6696

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the amendment of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCBB) on soil fertility, crop yield, and nutrient loss in two different‐textured soils under sugarcane ( Saccharum spp.) production. Eleven megagrams per hectare of freshly incorporated biochar increased yield of plant cane by 22% in light‐texture soil (LS) and 12% in heavy‐textured soil (HS). Although the overall yield of the ratoon crop was lower, the biochar treatment produced 20 and 14% higher yields than the control at the LS and HS sites, respectively. Biochar increased soil carbon (Csoil ) across LS and HS sites by 15% and decreased the soil C/N ratio by 19%. Over the two growing seasons and sites, cumulative runoff volume, and loads of NO3 – –N, PO4 –3 –P, biological oxygen demand (BOD5 ), total organic C (TOC), and total suspended solids (TSS) were reduced by 33, 35, 39, 25, 24, and 54% with biochar. Calcium and K losses in runoff were also reduced by 43 and 24% with biochar. It reduced NH4 + –N leaching in LS and HS soils over the two growing seasons by 33–167% and 66–81%, respectively, and reduced PO4 –3 –P leaching by 45–57% in HS over 2 yr. Although biochar is not considered a fertilizer, SCBB acted as a source of nutrients, increasing soil fertility and crop yield. It also reduced nutrient losses during heavy rain events typical of the subtropical climate of Louisiana. Core Ideas: Sugarcane bagasse‐derived biochar offers both agronomic and water quality benefits. Biochar amendment increased cane yields by 22% in slit loam and 12% in clay soils. Biochar reduced total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, and nutrient losses in runoff from both textured soils. Biochar increased soil organic C and decreased cation nutrient leaching.