The influence of biochar on soil processes

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The influence of biochar on soil processes

• Jeff Smith and Hal Collins
• USDA-ARS
• Washington State University

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Palouse Silt Loam Soils
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Biochar Properties
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40
30
14
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Adsorption

• Biochar NH4 and NO3
• Soils
• 2 levels of NH4
• 2 levels of biochar
• Shake 1 hour /filter
• Analyze for NH4 and NO3

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Biochar P NH4
T/Ac
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Biochar P NO3
T/Ac
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Ritzville NH4
T/Ac
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Walla Walla NH4
T/Ac
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Soil Incubations with Biochar

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Cumulative CO2-C A
added
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Cumulative N2O-N A
added
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T/Ac
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T/Ac
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C3 plant d13C -23 Soil d13C -23
C4 plant d13C -12 Soil d13C -12
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Cumulative CO2-C Ritzville P
T/Ac
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Cumulative CO2-C WW P
T/Ac
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Ritzville 13CO2
T/Ac
2
6
10
34
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Ritzville 13CO2
T/Ac
2
6
10
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Walla Walla13CO2
T/Ac
2
6
10
34
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Walla Walla13CO2
T/Ac
2
6
10
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Conclusions

• Chemical implications for amending acid soil
• Some free adsorption of NH4, but not of NO3
• Soil alone adsorbed as much NH4 as soil biochar
• Soil type affects biochar influence on soil
  processes

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• Biochar seems to supreses N2O flux probably
  through a combination of adsorption and
  inhibiting N mineralization
• Biochar is decomposed in the early stages of
  incubation, this is probably the soluble fraction
  being metabolized

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