Effects of the Application of Biochar in Four Typical Agricultural Soils in China

• Main Authors: Huanhuan Wang, Tianbao Ren, Yuqing Feng, Kouzhu Liu, Huilin Feng, Guoshun Liu, Hongzhi Shi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-03-01
• Series: Agronomy
• Subjects: biochar; physical and chemical properties of soil; microbial diversity; root; tobacco
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/10/3/351

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of biochar application on soils in the main tobacco-producing areas in China. The study was conducted in four study regions in China, where the same three experimental treatments were set up in each area, including a control (CK), a treatment involving the application of chemical fertilizer (F), and a treatment involving the application of biochar (B). We analyzed the basic physical and chemical properties, microbial diversity, and root system of tobacco plants. The results show that: Biochar increased the soil pH, which was most obvious in the study site in Shaowu City, Fujian Province (FUS), where the soil pH increased by 22.64% and 27.49% compared with soil under the CK and F treatments, respectively. Biochar increased the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content, and increased the soil content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; this effect was most obvious in FUS. The root activity in plots treated with biochar increased by 6.95% and 13.72% compared to the CK and F plots, respectively. Similarly, the number of root tips increased by 89.76% and 21.48% compared to the CK and F plots, respectively. In short, biochar improved the physical soil structure, increased the soil pH, and promoted the effectiveness of soil nutrients. Furthermore, biochar improved the bacterial soil diversity, enriched the population structure of soil bacteria, and promoted the healthy development of flue-cured tobacco roots. However, the demand for and types of biochar suitable for use in different tobacco-planting soils need further study.