[Impact of Biochar on Soil Bulk Density and Aggregates of Lou Soil]

The effect of biochar on the bulk density and aggregate stability of Lou soil was evaluated and compared after biochar was applied for 2 years and 5 years through a field-positioning experiment. Five biochar amounts were applied in this study, as follows:0 t·hm^-2 (B₀), 20 t·hm^-2 (B₂₀), 40 t·hm^-2 (B₄₀), 60 t·hm^-2 (B₆₀), and 80 t·hm^-2 (B₈₀). The biochar was produced by pyrolysis of stems and branches from fruit trees at the temperature of 450℃ with limited oxygen apply. At the beginning of the study, biochar was mixed thoroughly with the surface soil (0-20 cm). After 5 years, the soil bulk density and aggregate stability of 0-30 cm soil layers (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm) were measured and compared with the results obtained after 2 years with the purpose of observing the long-term and persist effects of biochar application. The results showed that:① compared with the results after 2 years of application, the effect of biochar on the aggregates at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm after 5 years were less distinct, and the effect on soil aggregates at depths of 20-30 cm was significantly enhanced; ② compared with the 2 year application, the aggregate stability and the content of the>0.25 mm aggregate size fraction were significantly increased at 0-10 cm depths after 5 years of biochar application at a rate of 40 t·hm^-2, while bulk density was significantly decreased; at 10-20 cm and 20-30 cm soil depths, the stability of aggregates and the content of the>0.25 mm aggregate size fraction was significantly increased, while the bulk density was significantly decreased after 5 years of biochar application at a rate of 60-80 t·hm^-2;③ when the biochar application rate was 60 t·hm^-2, the increase in soil organic carbon was the highest after 5 years. After biochar was applied for 5 years, its effect was more significant lower in the soil profile; the soil bulk density was significantly reduced, and aggregate stability and the content of>0.25 mm aggregates were significantly increased at depths of 20-30 cm. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the improvement effects and economic benefits, the most suitable biochar application rate was found to be 40-60 t·hm^-2. It was further concluded that the effect of biochar on soil aggregates was gradual and sustainable.