Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Assessment of Waste-Derived Biochars on the Health and Biological Activity of Soil
Published on: October 10, 2025
Influence of biochar addition on the humic substances of composting manures
Keiji Jindo1, Tomonori Sonoki2, Kazuhiro Matsumoto2
1Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), Department of Soil Conservation and Waste Management, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; NUDIBA-Universidade Estadual Norte Fulminense, Av. Alberto Lamego 2000, Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Abstract:
Application of biochar (10% v/v) to a manure composting matrix was investigated to evaluate its effect on the chemical composition of humic substances during the composting process. The characteristics of the humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) fractions were analyzed in compost mixtures originating from two different manures (poultry manure (PM) and cow manure (CM)). The C contents of HA and FA from the manure compost/biochar blends (PM+B and CM+B) were higher than those from PM and CM, with an enhanced recalcitrant fraction, as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Spectroscopic analysis showed that enrichment of aromatic-C and carboxylic-C occurred in the FA fractions of PM+B and CM+B to a greater extent than in PM and CM. Biochar addition into the composting mixture improved the final compost quality, especially for the light humified fraction (FA).
Related Concept Videos
Soil Microbial Ecology
Microbes and Climate Change

