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Biochar-N fertilizer interaction increases N utilization efficiency by modifying soil C/N component under N
Hao Xia1, Muhammad Riaz2, Mengyang Zhang1
1Microelement Research Center, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, PR China.
Chemosphere
|August 4, 2021
Summary
Combining biochar with nitrogen fertilizer improves maize yield and nutrient use. This approach reduces nitrogen loss and enhances soil health, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Soil Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Imbalanced nitrogenous fertilizer application in maize production poses significant risks to agriculture and the environment in China.
- Excessive nitrogen (N) input leads to resource waste and pollution, necessitating sustainable management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of biochar application and different nitrogen fertilization methods on maize yield, N uptake, and N use efficiency (NUE).
- To evaluate the combined impact of biochar and deep N fertilizer placement on crop productivity and soil properties.
Main Methods:
- Field experiment with two biochar levels (0% and 2%), three nitrogen rates (50, 100, 200 mg kg⁻¹), and two application modes (traditional and deep placement).
- Measurements included fresh and dry biomass, N uptake, N use efficiency, and soil physical and chemical properties.
- Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze relationships between treatments, soil properties, and N components.
Main Results:
- The combination of 2% biochar and the highest N rate with deep placement significantly increased fresh and dry biomass by 292% and 283%, respectively, compared to the control.
- Biochar application reduced soil nitrogen loss from 52.00% to 25.94% under traditional N application.
- Deep N placement combined with biochar improved soil physical and chemical properties (pH, SOM, EC) and soil C/N component, particularly at 20-40 cm depth.
Conclusions:
- Combined application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer, especially with deep placement, significantly enhances maize yield, N uptake, and N use efficiency.
- This integrated approach effectively mitigates nitrogen loss, improves soil health, and reduces environmental pollution associated with excessive N fertilization.
- The findings support the use of biochar as a sustainable strategy to improve nitrogen management in maize production.
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