Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil Health

Our study investigated the efficacy of barberry biochar in reducing nitrate leaching in arid and semi-arid area. The experiment was conducted in factorial design investigating the effect of two biochar particle sizes (less than 1mm and more than 2.8 mm) and three biochar amounts (1%, 2%, and 3% by m...

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Main Authors: Mandana Mirbakhsh, Tayebeh Rajabian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Farm to Fork Foundation 2023-09-01
Series:Fundamental and Applied Agriculture
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.f2ffoundation.org/faa/?mno=164224
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author Mandana Mirbakhsh
Tayebeh Rajabian
author_facet Mandana Mirbakhsh
Tayebeh Rajabian
author_sort Mandana Mirbakhsh
collection DOAJ
description Our study investigated the efficacy of barberry biochar in reducing nitrate leaching in arid and semi-arid area. The experiment was conducted in factorial design investigating the effect of two biochar particle sizes (less than 1mm and more than 2.8 mm) and three biochar amounts (1%, 2%, and 3% by mass ratio) on nitrate leaching in soil. Our findings revealed significant reductions in nitrate leaching upon the application of barberry biochar. The experimental treatments had a significant effect on nitrate concentration in leached water in both sampling stages. Although the initial sampling indicated non-significant variances between particle size, clear statistical differences emerged in the second sampling. The smaller biochar particle sizes (less than 1 mm) recorded greater reductions by 76.3% in nitrate leaching compared to larger ones (exceeding 2.8 mm) that resulted in 66.2% reduction. Our results indicated that a 1% weight of biochar produced the lowest leaching rate, with reductions of 79.7% in the first sampling and 82.6% in the second sampling. Finer biochar particle sizes (< 1mm) were the most effective at reducing nitrate leaching, which achieved to an 80.9% reduction. Overall, barberry biochar shows potential in mitigating nitrate pollution, enhancing soil quality, and promoting agricultural sustainability. It is important to consider the optimal biochar application rate and particle size to maximize its effectiveness in reducing nitrate leaching while minimizing any potential negative impacts on crop yield. Further research is required to optimize biochar application rates, particle sizes, and long-term effects in diverse agricultural systems. Implementing biochar as a soil amendment holds promise in improving soil health, water quality, and overall sustainability. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(3.000): 540-546]
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spelling doaj.art-5d8fc9b8be0c4a3183707818c926085f2023-11-15T14:27:54ZengFarm to Fork FoundationFundamental and Applied Agriculture2518-20212415-44742023-09-018354054610.5455/faa.164224164224Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil HealthMandana Mirbakhsh0Tayebeh Rajabian1Unit 2, 255 Chestnut st. Faculty of plant physiology, University of Alzahra, Tehran, Iran.Our study investigated the efficacy of barberry biochar in reducing nitrate leaching in arid and semi-arid area. The experiment was conducted in factorial design investigating the effect of two biochar particle sizes (less than 1mm and more than 2.8 mm) and three biochar amounts (1%, 2%, and 3% by mass ratio) on nitrate leaching in soil. Our findings revealed significant reductions in nitrate leaching upon the application of barberry biochar. The experimental treatments had a significant effect on nitrate concentration in leached water in both sampling stages. Although the initial sampling indicated non-significant variances between particle size, clear statistical differences emerged in the second sampling. The smaller biochar particle sizes (less than 1 mm) recorded greater reductions by 76.3% in nitrate leaching compared to larger ones (exceeding 2.8 mm) that resulted in 66.2% reduction. Our results indicated that a 1% weight of biochar produced the lowest leaching rate, with reductions of 79.7% in the first sampling and 82.6% in the second sampling. Finer biochar particle sizes (< 1mm) were the most effective at reducing nitrate leaching, which achieved to an 80.9% reduction. Overall, barberry biochar shows potential in mitigating nitrate pollution, enhancing soil quality, and promoting agricultural sustainability. It is important to consider the optimal biochar application rate and particle size to maximize its effectiveness in reducing nitrate leaching while minimizing any potential negative impacts on crop yield. Further research is required to optimize biochar application rates, particle sizes, and long-term effects in diverse agricultural systems. Implementing biochar as a soil amendment holds promise in improving soil health, water quality, and overall sustainability. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(3.000): 540-546]https://www.f2ffoundation.org/faa/?mno=164224agriculture performancebiocharenvironmental contaminationsoil fertility
spellingShingle Mandana Mirbakhsh
Tayebeh Rajabian
Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil Health
Fundamental and Applied Agriculture
agriculture performance
biochar
environmental contamination
soil fertility
title Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil Health
title_full Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil Health
title_fullStr Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil Health
title_full_unstemmed Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil Health
title_short Biochar: An Eco-friendly Approach for the Alleviation of Nitrate Leaching and Augmentation of Soil Health
title_sort biochar an eco friendly approach for the alleviation of nitrate leaching and augmentation of soil health
topic agriculture performance
biochar
environmental contamination
soil fertility
url https://www.f2ffoundation.org/faa/?mno=164224
work_keys_str_mv AT mandanamirbakhsh biocharanecofriendlyapproachforthealleviationofnitrateleachingandaugmentationofsoilhealth
AT tayebehrajabian biocharanecofriendlyapproachforthealleviationofnitrateleachingandaugmentationofsoilhealth