Biochar and Dairy Manure Amendment Effects on Cynodon dactylon Performance and Soil Properties

Area of Science:

• Agronomy
• Soil Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Limited research exists on combined biochar (BC) and dairy manure applications.
• Understanding feedstock-specific BC effects with manure is crucial for sustainable agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of wood- and manure-derived biochar (BC) combined with dairy manure on Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and soil properties.
• To evaluate nutrient dynamics in sandy loam and clay loam soils under different amendment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Greenhouse pot study using Cynodon dactylon in sandy loam and clay loam soils.
• Application of wood-derived BC, manure-derived BC, and dairy manure.
• Analysis of plant biomass, N and C content, and soil physicochemical properties (nutrients, pH, conductivity).

Main Results:

• Dairy manure significantly increased herbage dry weight (30%) and herbage nitrogen content (55%) in clay loam and sandy loam soils, respectively.
• Biochar (BC) application did not significantly affect Cynodon dactylon yields or mineral content but increased soil total carbon.
• Wood BC application prevented nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus buildup in sandy loam soil when used with dairy manure.

Conclusions:

• Dairy manure amendment positively impacts Cynodon dactylon performance and soil nitrogen.
• Biochar application offers potential for soil carbon sequestration with neutral effects on plant growth.
• Strategic use of wood biochar can mitigate nutrient accumulation when co-applied with dairy manure.