Assessing the Potential of Biochar for Improving Soil Physical Properties and Tree Growth
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Date
2021
Authors
Mwadalu, Riziki
Mochoge, Benson
Danga, Benjamin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
hindawi
Abstract
)e effect of biochar on tree growth and soil physical properties as indicated in literature is still outstanding. Information on the
effect of biochar on tree growth is limited, and the available literature has recorded conflicting results. )erefore, a field
experiment using Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarina) as the test crop under different biochar rates was conducted. Four
biochar rates (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 t ha−1) were used as treatments, each replicated three times. Generally, biochar-amended plots
recorded higher Casuarina height, collar diameter, and diameter at breast height (DBH). )e application of biochar at 7.5 t ha−1
resulted in higher Casuarina height of up to 20.2% compared to the control. On the contrary, application of biochar at 2.5 t ha−1
recorded higher collar diameter of up to 30.2% compared to the control. Generally, there was a decrease in soil bulk density
with biochar application. Bulk density decreased linearly with increasing biochar application rates with biochar application rate
of 7.5 t ha−1 recording the lowest bulk density (0.99 g cm−3). )ere was a decrease in bulk density of up to 25% compared to the
control with the biochar application rate of 7.5 t ha−1. Biochar application rate of 7.5 t ha−1 also recorded the highest soil
moisture content across the assessment periods. Biochar-amended plots recorded higher soil moisture content than the
untreated control. )ere was increase in soil moisture content following biochar application of up to 108% with the application
of biochar at 7.5 t ha−1 compared to the untreated control. )e increase in soil moisture content with biochar application can be
attributed to biochar’s porous nature and large surface area. )ese results suggest that the use of biochar has the potential of
enhancing Casuarina growth while enhancing soil physical properties by decreasing bulk density and enhancing soil
moisture storage.
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Citation
Mwadalu, R., Mochoge, B., & Danga, B. (2021). Assessing the potential of biochar for improving soil physical properties and tree growth. International Journal of Agronomy, 2021, 1-12.