Differences in soil organic matter and humus of sandy soil after application of biochar substrates and combination of biochar substrates with mineral fertilizers

Article Details: Received: 2020-04-13 | Accepted: 2020-05-18 | Available online: 2020-09-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.03.117-124The effort to achieve the sustainable farming system in arable soil led to the intensive search for a new solution but an inspiration can also be found in the application of traditional methods of soil fertility improvement as it is shown in numerous examples in history. Recently many scientific teams have focused their attention on the evaluation of biochar effects on soil properties and crop yields. Since there are a lot of knowledge gaps, especially in explanations how biochar can affect soil organic matter (SOM) and humus substances, we aimed this study at the solution of these questions. Therefore, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of two biochar substrates (B1 – biochar blended with sheep manure, and B2 – biochar blended with sheep manure and the residue from the biogas station) at two rates (10 and 20 t ha-1) applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilizers (Urea was applied in 2018, at rate 100 kg ha-1, and Urea at rate 100 kg ha-1 + AMOFOS NP 12-52 at 100 kg ha-1 were applied in 2019) on the quantity and quality of SOM and humus of sandy soil (Arenosol, Dolná Streda, Slovakia). The results showed that application of the biochar substrates together with mineral fertilizers (MF) had more pronounced effect on the organic matter mineralization in the sandy soil which resulted in low accumulation of soil organic carbon (Corg) and labile carbon compared to biochar substrates treatments without MF. The share of humic substances in Corg significantly decreased by 16, 50, 16 and 24% in B1 at 10 t ha-1, B1 at 20 t ha-1, B2 at 10 t ha-1 and B2 at 20 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. A similar tendency was observed for biochar substrates treatments + MF, compared to MF control. The carbon content of humic substances (CHS) was equal to 4.40 – 5.80 g kg-1 and the biochar substrates had statistically significant influence on CHS content. On average, there was a smaller decrease of CHS in B1 at rate 10 t ha-1 than at rate 20 t ha-1 and no effect of B2 compared to control. The carbon content of fulvic acid (CFA) was 9% higher in B1 at 10 t ha-1, and 20 t ha-1, 47% higher in B2 at 10 t ha-1 and 17% higher in B2 at 20 t ha-1 compared to control. As a result of biochar substrates + MF application, the reduction in CFA was observed. The results showed a decrease of CHA : CFA ratio with association to biochar substrates alone application compared to control on one hand, and a wider of CHA : CFA ratio in biochar substrates + MF treatments in comparison to MF control on the other hand. Humus stability was increased in biochar substrates alone treatments compared to control, on the other hand, compared to MF control, the application of biochar substrates + MF resulted in a lower humus stability.Keywords: carbon sequestration, humus quality, Arenosol, biochar, EffecoReferencesBALASHOV, E. and BUCHKINA, N. (2011). Impact of shortand long-term agricultural use of chernozem on its quality indicators. International Agrophysics, 25(1), 1–5.BRADY, B. G. and WEIL, R. R. (1999). The Nature and Properties of Soils. 12 ed. New Jersey: Prentice – Hall, Inc. Simons and & Schuster A viacon Company.BUCHKINA, N. P. et al. (2017). Changes in biological and physical parameters of soils with different texture after biochar application. Sel’skokhozyaistvennaya biologiya (Agricultural Biology), 52(3), 471–477. https://doi.org/10.15389/agrobiology.2017.3.471engCHENG, H. et al. (2016). Biochar stimulates the decomposition of simple organic matter and suppresses the decomposition of complex organic matter in a sandy loam soil. GCB Bioenergy, 9(6), 1110–1121. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12402DEVINE, S. et al. (2014). Soil aggregates and associated organic matter under conventional tillage, no-tillage, and forest succession after three decades. PLoS One, 9(1), e84988. https:// doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0084988EL-NAGGAR, A. et al. (2019). Biochar application to low fertility soils: A review of current status, and future prospects. Geoderma, 337, 536–554.FISCHER, D. and GLASER, B. (2012). Synergisms between compost and biochar for sustainable soil amelioration. In Management of Organic Waste. Rijeka: Tech Europe (pp. 167–198).GAIDA, A.M. et al. (2013). Changes in soil quality associated with tillage system applied. International Agrophysics, 27, 133–141. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10247-012-0078-7GLASER, B. and BIRK, J. J. (2012). State of the scientific knowledge on properties and genesis of Anthropogenic Dark Earths in Central Amazonia (terra preta de ´ındio). Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 82, 39–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. gca.2010.11.029GONDEK, K. and MIERZWA-HERSZTEK, M. (2017). Effect of thermal conversion of municipal sewage sludge on the content of Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn and phytotoxicity of biochars. Journal of Elementology, 22(2), 427–435. https://dx.doi.org/10.5601/ jelem.2016.21.1.1116GRISHINA, L. G. (1986). Humus formation and humic state of soils. Moscow: MGU. In Russian.HORÁK, J. et al. (2017). Biochar and biochar with N-fertilizer affect soil N2 O emission in Haplic Luvisol. Biologia, 72(9), 995– 1001. https://doi.org/10.1515/biolog-2017-0109HORÁK, J. et al. (2020). Biochar – an Important Component Ameliorating the Productivity of Intensively Used Soils. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, in print. https://doi. org/10.15244/pjoes/113128HRIVŇÁKOVÁ, K. et al. (2011). The uniform methods of soil analysis. Bratislava: VÚPOP. In Slovak.IUSS Working Group WRB. (2015). World Reference Base for Soil Resources 2014, update 2015. International soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps. World Soil Resources Reports No. 106. Rome: FAO.JIANG, X. et al. (2016). Interactions between biochar and soil organic carbon decomposition: Effects of nitrogen and low molecular weight carbon compound addition. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 100, 92–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2016.05.020JINDO, K. et al. (2016). Influence of biochar addition on the humic substances of composting manures. Waste Management, 49, 545–552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2016.01.007KOBZA, J. et al. (2017). Current state and development of land degradation processes based on soil monitoring in Slovakia. Agriculture (Poľnohospodárstvo), 63(2), 74–85. https:// doi.org/10.1515/agri-2017-0007LI, H. et al. (2015). Effect of biochar on organic matter conservation and metabolic quotient of soil. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 34, 1467–1472. https://doi. org/10.1002/ep.12122LOGINOW, W. et al. (1987). Fractionation of organic carbon based on susceptibility to oxidation. Polish Journal of Soil Science, 20, 47–52.MARSCHNERA, B. and KALBITZ, K. (2003). Controls of bioavailability and biodegradability of dissolved organic matter in soils. Geoderma, 113(3-4), 211–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7061(02)00362-2MIERZWA-HERSZTEK, M. et al. (2018). Biochar changes in soil based on quantitative and qualitative humus compounds parameters. Soil Science Annual, 69(4), 234–242. https://dx.doi. org/10.2478/ssa-2018-0024POLÁKOVÁ, N. et al. (2018). The influence of soil organic matter fractions in aggregates stabilization in agricultural and forest soils of selected Slovak and Czech hilly lands. Journal of Soils and Sediment, 18(8), 2790–2800. https://doi.org/10.1007/ s11368-017-1842-xRABBI, S. M. F. et al. (2014). Soil organic carbon mineralization rates in aggregates under contrasting land uses. Geoderma, 216, 10–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2013.10.023SHIMIZU, M. M. et al. (2009). The effect of manure application on carbon dynamics and budgets in a managed grassland of Southern Hokkaido, Japan. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 130, 31–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. agee.2008.11.013ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2008). Soil tillage and fertilization of Orthic Luvisol and their influence on chemical properties, soil structure stability and carbon distribution in water-stable macro-aggregates. Soil & Tillage Research, 100(1–2), 125–132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2008.05.008ŠIMANSKÝ, V. and JONCZAK, J. (2020). Aluminium and iron oxides affect the soil structure in a long-term mineral fertilised soil. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 20, 2008–2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-019-02556-4ŠIMANSKÝ, V. (2013). Soil organic matter in water-stable aggregates under different soil management practices in a  productive vineyard. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 59(9). https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2012.708103ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2009). Particle-size distribution and land-use effects on quantity and quality of soil organic matter in selected localities of Slovakia and Poland. Agriculture (Poľnohospodárstvo), 55(3), 125–132.ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2016). How dose of biochar and biochar with nitrogen can improve the parameters of soil organic matter and soil structure? Biologia, 71(9), 989–995. https://doi. org/10.1515/biolog-2016-0122ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2017). Carbon sequestration in waterstable aggregates under biochar and biochar with nitrogen fertilization. Bulgrian Journal of Agricultural Research, 23(3), 429–435.ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2019a). Fertilization and Application of Different Biochar Types and their Mutual Interactions Influencing Changes of Soil Characteristics in Soils of Different Textures. Journal of Ecological Engineering, 20(5), 149–164. https://doi.org/10.12911/22998993/105362ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2019). How relationships between soil organic matter parameters and soil structure characteristics are affected by the long-term fertilization of a sandy soil. Geoderma, 342, 75–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.02.020STEVENSON, J.F. (1994). Humus chemistry. New York: John Wiley & Sons.SZOMBATHOVÁ, N. (1999). The comparison of soil carbon susceptibility to oxidation by KMnO4 solutions in different farming systems. Humic Substances in Environment, 1, 35–39.SZOMBATHOVÁ, N. (2010). Chemical and physicochemical properties of soil humic hubstances as an indicator of anthropogenic changes in ecosystems (localities Báb and Dolná Malanta). Nitra: SUA. In Slovak.TIAN, K. et al. (2015). Effects of long-term fertilization and residue management on soil organic carbon changes in paddy soils of China: a meta-analysis. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 204, 40–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. agee.2015.02.008TRUPIANO, D. et al. (2017). The Effects of Biochar and Its Combination with Compost on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Growth, Soil Properties, and Soil Microbial Activity and Abundance. Hindawi International Journal of Agronomy, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3158207VÁCHALOVÁ, R. KOLÁŘ, L. and MUCHOVÁ, Z. (2016). Primary soil organic matter and humus, two componets of soil organic matter. Nitra: SUA. In Czech and Slovak.WHITMAN, T. et al. (2015). Priming effects in biocharamended soils: Implications of biochar-soil organic matter interactions for carbon storage. In Lehmann, J. and Joseph, S. (eds.) Biochar for environmental management, science, technology and implementation. London, New York: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group (pp. 455–487).ZAUJEC, A. and ŠIMANSKÝ, V. (2006). Influence of Biostimulators on Soil Structure and Soil Organic Matter. Nitra: SUA. In Slovak

Differences in soil properties and crop yields after application of biochar blended with farmyard manure in sandy and loamy soils

Article Details: Received: 2018-07-07 | Accepted: 2018-01-18 | Available online: 2019-01-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2019.22.01.21-25In recent years, the importance of biochar application in world´s soils have increased tendency mainly due to its opposite effects. Therefore, the effort of many companies is based on the development of soil amendment which together improved properties and crop productivity in a lot of soils. In this short study, we have verified the effectiveness of biochar blended with farmyard manure named Effeco on soil properties and crop yields in different textural soils (1. sandy soil in Dolná Streda and 2. loamy soil in Veľké Uľany). Our results showed that the Effeco increased soil pH in both soils. In sandy soil, the Effeco more significantly affected sorptive parameters and soil organic carbon content than in loamy soil. Water retention in capillary pores after Effeco application in sandy and loamy soils was higher by 22% and 4%, respectively compared to control. On the other hand, more significant effect of Effeco application on soil structure was observed in loamy soil. The total crop productions in sandy and loamy soils due to the Effeco application were higher by 82% and 16%, respectively, compared to control plots. All in all, we concluded that the effects of biochar blended with farmyard manure differ mainly on soil texture.Keywords: Effeco, sorptive parameters, soil organic matter, water retention, soil structure, loamy soil, sandy soilReferences:Agegnehu, G. et al. (2016) Benefits of biochar, compost and biochar-compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Sci. Tot. Environ., 543, pp. 295–306.Ahmad , M. et al. (2014) Biochar as asorbent for contaminant management in soil and water: a review. Chemosphere, 99, pp. 19–33. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.10.071AJAYI, A.E. and HORN, R. (2016) Modification of chemical and hydrophysical properties of two texturally differentiated soils due to varying magnitudes of added biochar. Soil Tillage Res. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2016.01.011Brodowski , S. et al. (2006) Aggregate-occluded black carbon in soil. Eur. J. Soil Sci., no. 57, pp. 539–546.DONG, X. et al. (2019) Biochar increased field soil inorganic carbon content five years after application. Soil & Tillage Research, no. 186, pp. 36–41. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2018.09.013El-Naggara , A. et al. (2019) Biochar application to low fertility soils: A review of current status, and future prospects. Geoderma, 337, pp. 536–557. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.09.034Fischer, D. and Glaser, B. (2012) Synergisms between Compost and Biochar for Sustainable Soil Amelioration. In Kumar, S. (ed.) Management of Organic Waste. Earthscan, Rijeka, pp. 167–198.Haider, G. et al. (2017) Biochar reduced nitrate leaching and improved soil moisture content without yield improvements in a four-year field study. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ., 237, pp. 80–94. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2016.12.019Hrivňákov á, K. et al. (2011) Uniform methods of soil analyses (in Slovak) VÚPOP: Bratislava.IBI (2013) Standarized product definition and product testing guidelines for biochar that i sused in soil, IBI-STD-0.1-1, International Biochar Initiative.Ibrahim , H.M. et al. (2013) Effect of Conocarpus biochar application on the hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil. Soil Sci., 178, pp.165–173.Jeffery , S. et al. (2011) A quantitative review of the effects of biochar application to soils on crop productivity using metaanalysis. Agr. Ecosyst. Environ., 144, pp. 175–187.Kotorov á, D. et al. (2018) The long-term different tillage and its effect on physical properties of heavy soils. Acta fytotechn zootechn, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 100–107. doi: https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2018.21.03.100-107Laghari , M. et al. (2015) Effects of biochar application rate on sandy desert soil properties and sorghum growth. Catena, 135, pp. 313–320. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2015.08.013LEHMANN, J. and JOSEPH, S. (eds.). (2015) Biochar for environmental management. 2nd ed. London, New York: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group. 544 p.Lopez-Capel, E. et al. (2016) Biochar properties, In: Shackley, S. et al. (eds.): Biochar in European soils and agriculture, Routledge, London, New Your, pp. 41–72.Obia, A. et al. (2016) In situ effects of biochar on aggregation, water retention and porosity in light-textured tropical soils. Soil Tillage Res., 155, pp. 35–44. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2015.08Omondi, M.O. et al. (2016) Quantification of biochar effects on soil hydrological properties using meta-analysis of literature data. Geoderma, 274, pp. 28–34. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2016.03.029Pollákov á, N. et al. (2018) The influence of soil organic matter fractions in aggregates stabilization in agricultural and forest soils of selected Slovak and Czech hilly lands. Journal of Soils and Sediment, vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 2790–2800.ŠIMANSKÝ, V. et al. (2017) Carbon sequestration in waterstable aggregates under biochar and biochar with nitrogen fertilization. Bulgrian Journal of Agricultural Research, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 429–435.Szombathov á N. (2010) Chemical and physico-chemical properties of soil humic hubstances as an indicator of anthropogenic changes in ecosystems (localities Báb and Dolná Malanta). Nitra: Slovak Univ. of Agriculture (in Slovak).van Zwieten, L. et al. (2010) Effects of biochar from slow pyrolysis of papermill waste on agronomic performance and soil fertility. Plant Soil, 327, pp. 235–246.WANG, Y. et al. (2013) Comparisons of biochar properties from wood material and crop residues at different temperatures and residence times. Energ. Fuel., 27, pp. 5890–5899.Zhang, R. et al. (2017) Biochar enhances nut quality of Torreyagrandi sand soil fertility under simulated nitrogen deposition. For. Ecol. Manag., 391, pp. 321–329. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.02.036Zimmerman , A.R. et al. (2011) Positive and negative carbon mineralization priming effects among a variety of biocharamended soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 43, pp. 1169–1179

The 23rd report of the Rarities Committee of the Slovak Ornithological Society/BirdLife Slovakia, year 2022

In 2022, the Rarities Committee of the Slovak Ornithological Society/BirdLife Slovakia reviewed 52 records, of which 44 were accepted in category A, one in category C, two in category D, and two in category E. Additionally, three breeding records were accepted. Two records/one ind. of Brant Goose (Branta bernicla), one record/one ind. of Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus), seven records/at least five ind. of Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus), two records/one ind. of Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus), one record/one ind. of Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris), one record/one ind. of Baillon´s Crake (Zapornia pusilla), one record/one ind. of Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), one record/one ind. of Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), one record/one ind. of Black-winged Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni), three records/one ind. of Pallas’s Gull (Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus), one record/one ind. of Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), eight records/nine ind. of Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus), one record/ nine ind. (first observation and nesting for Slovakia) of Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), one record/ one ind. of Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus), one record/one ind. of Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus) and one record/one ind. (first for Slovakia) of Richard’s Pipit (Anthus richardi) were the most interesting records in 2022. The Rarities Committee accepted observations from the year 2022, but also some notable observations from the years 2013, 2019, and 2021. For example, one record/one ind. of Eurasian Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus), one record/one ind. of Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus), and one record/one ind. (first for Slovakia) of Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus). In 2021, Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) nested in Slovakia for the first time. The updated list of species and subspecies subject to reporting to the Rarities Committee of the Slovak Ornithological Society/BirdLife Slovakia, as well as the English version of the form template, is available on the following website: http://www.vtaky.sk/stranka/50-Faunisticka-komisia.htm

Physical Properties of Texturally Different Soils After Application of Biochar Substrates

Scientific studies show that the efficiency of biochar can be improved by its combination with other fertilisers. For this reason, fertiliser manufacturers are working to create products that combine biochar with other soil fertility enhancers suitable for different soil-climatic conditions. In this study, two types of biochar substrates (1. biochar blended with farmyard manure, and 2. biochar blended with farmyard manure as well as with digestate) at rates of 10 and 20 t/ha were applied alone or in combination with other manure and mineral fertilisers. These were added to Arenosol (sandy soil, Dolná Streda, Slovakia) and Chernozem (loamy soil, Veľké Úľany, Slovakia) to evaluate the soil physical properties to test the potential of these amendments for soil amelioration in texturally different soils. The results showed that the application of biochar substrates alone increased soil moisture, the volume of capillary pores, and decreased aeration and volume of non-capillary pores. The application of biochar substrates with mineral fertilisers increased aeration, content of water-stable macro-aggregates (WSAma), total porosity, and decreased soil moisture and the content of water-stable micro-aggregates (WSAmi) in sandy soil. In loamy soil, when compared to unfertilised control, the biochar treatments increased content of WSAma, content of dry-sieved macro-aggregates, and decreased content of WSAmi and content of dry-sieved micro-aggregates. The combination of biochar substrates together with manure had no effect on changes in the physical properties of loamy soil

Fertilization and Application of Different Biochar Types and their Mutual Interactions Influencing Changes of Soil Characteristics in Soils of Different Textures

If we want to develop farming on soil effectively and ecologically, we have to know the soil characteristics, the reasons for the potential low fertility and the ways how to eliminate them. Only this approach allows the rational utilization of the soil fund and achievement of the high effectiveness of the costs needed for the stabilization and increase of fertility and land capability. Recently, many scientific teams have focused their attention on the biochar, a lot of recommendations have been published which are dealing with its application into soil. However, the principal attention has been drawn to the impact of biochar on the particular soils and under the particular conditions. Far less information has been presented about the mutual interactions between the further significant agronomical factors in the combination with biochar. In this primary study, we analyze two new experiments established in the southwest part of Slovakia at the 1 Dolná Streda (sandy soil) and 2 Veľké Uľany (loamy soil) Localities. We discussed (1) the impact of the individual factors on the changes of soil characteristics, and (2) the impact of the individual interactions, such as: soil class – fertilization – biochar on the changes of the soil characteristics. The results indicated that the most significant factor, which influences the monitored soil parameters, is the soil class. The fertilization proved to be a factor which has a negative impact on the humus parameters; on the other hand, it improved the soil sorption. Biochar increased the content of the organic substances in soil and also its environmental effect of retention and immobilization of harmful elements and its positive effect on the soil structure was indicated. The highest frequency of the interactions between the monitored parameters related to the changes of soil characteristics was recorded in the combination fertilization x biochar, and also the soil class x fertilization x biochar

Response of soil organic carbon and water-stable aggregates to different biochar treatments including nitrogen fertilization

Recent studies show that biochar improves physical properties of soils and contributes to the carbon sequestration. In contrast to most other studies on biochar, the present study comprise a long-term field experiment with a special focus on the simultaneous impact of N-fertilizer to soil structure parameters and content of soil organic carbon (SOC) since SOC has been linked to improved aggregate stability. However, the question remains: how does the content of water-stable aggregates change with the content of organic matter? In this paper we investigate the effects of biochar alone and in a combination with N-fertilizer (i) on the content of water-stable macro- (WSAma) and micro-aggregates (WSAmi) as well as soil structure parameters; and (ii) on the contents of SOC and labile carbon (CL) in water-stable aggregates (WSA)