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Assessment of Waste-Derived Biochars on the Health and Biological Activity of Soil
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Biochar effects on phosphorus availability in agricultural soils: A meta-analysis
Bruno Glaser1, Verena-Isabell Lehr2
1Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Agronomy and Nutritional Sciences, Soil Biogeochemistry, von-Seckendorff-Platz 3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany. bruno.glaser@landw.uni-halle.de.
Scientific Reports
|June 29, 2019
Summary
Biochar significantly boosts plant-available phosphorus (P) in soils, acting as a sustainable fertilizer. This meta-analysis confirms its long-term benefits, especially in acidic and neutral soils, addressing phosphate rock depletion.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Phosphorus (P) is a critical plant nutrient, but phosphate rock resources are dwindling.
- Biochar is proposed as a sustainable, slow-release phosphorus fertilizer.
- Previous studies show variable effects of biochar on soil P availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively evaluate the impact of biochar on plant-available P in soils using meta-analysis.
- To identify factors influencing biochar's effectiveness as a P fertilizer.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 108 pairwise comparisons from peer-reviewed studies.
- Evaluation of biochar's effect on plant-available P across different soil types and conditions.
Main Results:
- Biochar application significantly increased soil P availability by a factor of 4.6.
- Optimal P availability enhancement was observed with application rates >10 Mg ha⁻¹ and pyrolysis temperatures <600°C.
- Significant P availability increases occurred in acid (pH <6.5) and neutral (pH 6.5-7.5) soils, but not in alkaline soils (pH >7.5).
Conclusions:
- Biochar effectively enhances plant-available phosphorus in agricultural soils.
- Its efficacy as a P fertilizer is influenced by application rate, pyrolysis temperature, and soil pH.
- Biochar provides at least a five-year benefit to soil P availability.
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