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The fate of phosphorus of ash-rich biochars in a soil-plant system

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Abstract

Aims

The objectives were to investigate (i) the forms and release pattern of P from an ash-rich biochar-amended sandy soil; (ii) the transformation of biochar P in a soil-plant system.

Methods

Several methodologies (a bioassay test, soluble P extractions, a sequential P fractionation and successive P extractions via resin strips) were used to study the bioavailability and transformation of P in a sandy soil fertilised with either conventional P fertilisers [Ca(H2PO4)2 (CaP) and Sechura phosphate rock (SPR)] or biochars produced from cattle manure (MAe) and alum-treated biosolids (BSe) at four temperatures (250, 350, 450, and 550 °C).

Results

Biochar P mainly contributed to increase soil resin-extractable P- and inorganic NaOH-extractable P-fractions, and thus to plant available P. The decrease in P concentrations of those fractions was caused by the uptake of P by plants rather than their transformations into more stable forms. P release rates diminished following the order: CaP > MAe > BSe > SPR, which indicates a decline in P availability from these P sources.

Conclusions

Phosphorus-rich biochar can be used as a slow-release fertiliser. It is necessary to determine available P (either soil or fertiliser tests) in biochars prior to its application to soil, so that dose, frequency and timing of application are correctly established.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge T. Maruyama for assistance in soil P tests; Dr J. Hanly provided the manure sample; Dr. P. Bishop helped to set up the pyrolyser; Palmerston North City Council supplied the biosolids; the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry New Zealand (MAF) funded the research; and Massey University funded a fellowship for T.W.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New Zealand Biochar Research Centre, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, 4442, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    Tao Wang, Marta Camps-Arbestain & Mike Hedley

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  1. Tao Wang
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  2. Marta Camps-Arbestain
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  3. Mike Hedley
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Correspondence to Tao Wang.

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Responsible Editor: Johannes Lehmann.

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Wang, T., Camps-Arbestain, M. & Hedley, M. The fate of phosphorus of ash-rich biochars in a soil-plant system. Plant Soil 375, 61–74 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1938-z

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