Summary
This four-year field experiment in maize systems evaluated the combined application of straw and biochar on soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions. Straw-biochar co-application reduced CO₂ and N₂O emissions relative to straw-only return, with effects mediated primarily through changes in dissolved organic nutrients and microbial biomass. The findings suggest potential for integrated soil management to lower agricultural emissions whilst maintaining soil fertility, though regional and feedstock variability warrants further investigation.
UK applicability
The study was conducted in a subtropical/temperate maize system; UK applicability depends on climate zone and soil type adaptation. Straw-biochar co-application may be relevant to UK cereal systems, though field validation under British soil and weather conditions, and assessment of biochar sourcing and cost-effectiveness, would be necessary before wider adoption.
Key measures
Cumulative CO₂ and N₂O fluxes (% reduction), CH₄ uptake, soil water content, soil organic carbon, nitrogen pools, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen, soil pH, bulk density
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass, and greenhouse gas fluxes (CO₂, N₂O, and CH₄) across four management treatments over four years. Straw-biochar co-application reduced cumulative CO₂ emissions by 11.1% and N₂O by 31.5% compared to straw-only return, whilst increasing CH₄ uptake.
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