Summary
This field experiment investigated mechanisms by which biochar reduces nitrous oxide emissions from arable soil by examining the relationship between soil gas transport properties and greenhouse gas fluxes. Application of green waste biochar (20 Mg ha⁻¹) substantially lowered cumulative N₂O emissions compared to untreated and lime-treated plots, with the effect appearing mediated by improved soil gas diffusivity and aeration. The findings suggest that maintaining adequate soil aeration through biochar amendment may be a key mechanism for mitigating N₂O emissions from arable systems.
UK applicability
The study's maize-based experimental design and temperate climate conditions are broadly relevant to UK arable farming. However, the applicability of findings would benefit from validation on UK soil types and under UK cropping systems, particularly given potential differences in soil texture, drainage, and management practices.
Key measures
Cumulative N₂O and CO₂ emissions (automated chamber measurements); relative soil gas diffusion coefficient (Dp/D₀) at varying matric potentials; in situ soil water content; number of days with Dp/D₀ < 0.02
Outcomes reported
The study measured cumulative N₂O and CO₂ emissions from maize-cropped soil and changes in soil gas diffusion coefficients (Dp/D₀) over time following biochar and lime application. Results showed that biochar substantially reduced N₂O emissions compared to control and lime treatments, with improvements in soil aeration (Dp/D₀) linked to lower N₂O emission peaks.
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