Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

No effect of pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type on hydraulic properties of biochar and amended sandy soil

Wietse Wiersma, Martine van der Ploeg, Ian J.M.H. Sauren, Cathelijne R. Stoof

Geoderma · 2020

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Summary

This laboratory study examined the hydraulic properties of biochar produced under different pyrolysis conditions and from different feedstock sources, and assessed how these properties changed when biochar was incorporated into sandy soil. The findings, as suggested by the title, indicate that neither pyrolysis temperature nor feedstock type significantly altered the hydraulic behaviour of biochar or its amended soil, which may inform biochar application strategies in sandy soil contexts.

UK applicability

The study's findings on biochar hydraulic properties in sandy soils are potentially relevant to UK sandy or light-textured soil regions, particularly in East Anglia and south-east England where water retention and infiltration management are key concerns. However, applicability depends on confirmation that the experimental conditions and soil types mirror UK field conditions.

Key measures

Hydraulic conductivity, water retention characteristics, pore size distribution of biochar and biochar-amended sandy soil samples

Outcomes reported

The study investigated whether pyrolysis temperature and feedstock type influence the hydraulic properties of biochar itself and when biochar is incorporated into sandy soil.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil health assessment & monitoring
Study type
Research
Study design
Laboratory experiment
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Netherlands
System type
Laboratory / in vitro
DOI
10.1016/j.geoderma.2020.114209
Catalogue ID
BFmowc2869-kzhbv5

Topic tags

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