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Poultry litter hydrochar as an amendment for sandy soils
Vivian Mau1, Gilboa Arye2, Amit Gross1
1Department of Environmental Hydrology and Microbiology, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion, 84990, Israel.
Journal of Environmental Management
|June 25, 2020
Summary
Poultry litter hydrochar improves sandy soils by reducing bulk density and increasing water retention. This soil amendment also enhances plant growth and decreases nitrate leaching, making it a viable option for soil stabilization.
Area of Science:
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
- Agronomy
Background:
- Poultry litter hydrochar is explored for soil stabilization and pathogen elimination.
- Limited research exists on hydrochar's impact on soil properties and plant growth, especially from poultry litter.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize poultry litter hydrochar as a sandy soil amendment.
- Investigate effects on soil bulk density, porosity, water retention, and fertility.
- Assess plant growth and nutrient leaching.
Main Methods:
- Hydrochar amendment rates of 0.5-2% and production temperatures of 180-250°C were tested.
- Soil properties analyzed using a pneumatic tension plate system.
- Lettuce seedlings used in a randomized block design planter experiment to assess fertility.
Main Results:
- Hydrochar addition decreased soil bulk density.
- Porosity increased up to 220°C production temperature, then decreased.
- Water content increased, but decreased with higher temperatures due to hydrophobicity.
- 0.5-1% hydrochar improved plant growth and decreased nitrate leaching.
Conclusions:
- Poultry litter hydrochar effectively reduces soil bulk density and increases water retention in sandy soils.
- Hydrochar amendment, particularly at lower concentrations and production temperatures, supports plant growth.
- Hydrochar demonstrates a novel benefit in reducing nitrate leaching from soils.
