Effect of <i>Eucalyptus globullus</i> biochar addition on the availability of phosphorus in acidic soil

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is one of the primary nutrients limiting crop production. The application of phosphate fertilizers in acidic soils leads to the formation of secondary insoluble compounds that reduces the effectiveness of the fertilizer. The addition of biochar may represent a solution to the problem of nutrients bioavailability, especially P. In this study, tests were performed to determine the effects of amending soil with five different percentages of biochar (0, 5, 10, 20, and 35% w/w) on the phenomena of P sorption and desorption. The effect of soil/ biochar contact treatments on P availability was also examined. Phosphorus sorption was lower in the soils containing biochar compared to normal soil. The accumulated desorption quantity after eight consecutive extractions was 85% higher when 35% biochar was added to the soil than soil alone. Moreover, the application of 35% biochar increased the concentration of soluble P up to 38% after 30 days of incubation. Based on these results, we deduced that biochar induces changes in P retention soil properties that may be beneficial for agricultural soils.

Keywords

• biochar amendment
• phosphate fertilizers
• agricultural soils
• desorption
• sorption
• incubation.