Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of activated charcoal and quebracho tannins added to feed or as soil conditioner on manure quality in organic agriculture

  • Published:
Organic Agriculture Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Animal manure is one of the major nutrient and carbon (C) sources in many low to medium input systems of irrigated agriculture in subtropical drylands, particularly if managed under the constraints of organic regulations. Under year-round hot and irigated conditions, high losses of C, nitrogen (N) and other nutrients may lead to soil quality deterioration and reduced crop yields. In an effort to develop approaches slowing down decomposition of soil applied manure, activated charcoal (AC) and quebracho tannin extract (QT) were either fed to goats or directly mixed with manure prior to application in a 2-year field experiment conducted with sweet corn (Zea mays L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) in the Batinah Plain of Oman. Sun-dried faeces of goats fed AC had a 15 % higher C concentration and a 25 % higher C/N ratio than pure goat manure, whereas QT feeding only increased sodium (Na) concentration. While sweet corn performed best under equivalent mineral fertilization, the addition of AC and QT to goat feed or to goat manure reduced growth and development of sweet corn by 20 and 30 %, respectively, compared to pure goat manure, regardless of the application method. Radish yielded highest when fertilized with either pure goat manure or AC-amended goat manure, whereas mineral fertilizer and QT-amended manure applications inhibited its growth. Activated charcoal may be a promising additive to increase soil organic matter and increase soil fertility, if it does not hamper nutrient supply to crops. Quebracho tannins, however, impaired crop production, and further research is needed to evaluate whether tannins from other sources added to agricultural soils have similar detrimental effects on crops.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aerts RJ, Barry TN, McNabb WC (1999) Polyphenols and agriculture: beneficial effects of proanthocyanidins in forages. Agric Ecosyst Environ 75:1–12

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aggarwal RK, Praveen-Kumar, Power JF (1997) Use of crop residue and manure to conserve water and enhance nutrient availability and pearl millet yields in an arid tropical region. Soil Tillage Res 41:43–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Al-Asfoor H, Schlecht E, Sundrum A, Schiborra A (2012) Varying the dietary supply of C and N to manipulate the manure composition of water buffalo heifers in Oman. J Agric Rural Dev Trop Subtrop 113:125–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Farsi SAI (2001) Classification of soils from an alluvial fan and coastal plain near Sohar. Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman

    Google Scholar 

  • Azeez JO, Van Averbeke W (2010) Nitrogen mineralization potential of three animal manures applied on a sandy clay loam soil. Bioresour Technol 101:5645–5651

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bhatta R, Shinde AK, Vaithiyanathan S, Sankhyan SK, Enishi O, Kurihara M (2011) Utilisation of tannin-containing tree leaves in sheep and goat production. Paper presented at the successes and failures with animal nutrition practices and technologies in developing countries, FAO Electronic Conference Rome, Italy

  • Bruun EW, Ambus P, Egsgaard H, Hauggaard-Nielsen H (2012) Effects of slow and fast pyrolysis biochar on soil C and N turnover dynamics. Soil Biol Biochem 46:73–79

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Buerkert A, Nagieb M, Siebert S, Khan I, Al-Maskri A (2005) Nutrient cycling and field-based partial nutrient balances in two mountain oases of Oman. Field Crop Res 94(2–3):149–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bullock DG, Anderson DS (1998) Evaluation of the Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter for nitrogen management in corn. J Plant Nutr 21:741–755

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chan KY, Van Zwieten L, Meszaros I, Downie A, Joseph S (2008) Using poultry litter biochars as soil amendments. Aust J Soil Res 46:437–444

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Degen AA, Becker K, Makkar HPS, Borowy N (1995) Acacia saligna as a fodder tree for desert livestock and the interaction of its tannins with fibre fractions. J Sci Food Agric 68:65–71

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ertek A, Kara B (2013) Yield and quality of sweet corn under deficit irrigation. Agric Water Manag 129:138–144

  • Glaser B, Lehmann J, Zech W (2002) Ameliorating physical and chemical properties of highly weathered soils in the tropics with charcoal: a review. Biol Fertil Soils 35:219–230

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hess HD, Tiemann TT, Stürm CD, Carulla JE, Lascano CE, Kreuzer M (2006) Effects of tannins on ruminal degradation and excretory pattern of N and implications for the potential N emission from the manure. Int Congr Ser 1293:339–342

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huwig A, Freimund S, Käppeli O, Dutler H (2001) Mycotoxin detoxication of animal feed by different adsorbents. Toxicol Lett 122:179–188

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ingold M, Dietz H, Sradnick A, Joergensen R, Schlecht E, Buerkert A (2014) Effects of activated charcoal and quebracho tannin amendments on soil properties in irrigated organic vegetable production under arid subtropical conditions. Biol Fertil Soils. doi:10.1007/s00374-014-0982-z

  • Joanisse GD, Bradley RL, Preston CM, Munson AD (2007) Soil enzyme inhibition by condensed litter tannins may drive ecosystem structure and processes: the case of Kalmia angustifolia. New Phytol 175:535–546

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kanerva S, Kitunen V, Kiikkilä O, Loponen J, Smolander A (2006) Response of soil C and N transformations to tannin fractions originating from Scots pine and Norway spruce needles. Soil Biol Biochem 38:1364–1374

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kraus TEC, Zasoski RJ, Dahlgren RA, Horwath WR, Preston CM (2004) Carbon and nitrogen dynamics in a forest soil amended with purified tannins from different plant species. Soil Biol Biochem 36:309–321

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leng RA, Preston TR, Inthapanya S (2012) Biochar reduces enteric methane and improves growth and feed conversion in local “Yellow” cattle fed cassava root chips and fresh cassava foliage. Livestock Research for Rural Development 24. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd2024/2011/leng24199.htm. Accessed 6 Aug 2014

  • Maerere AP, Kimbi GG, Nonga CLM (2001) Comparative effectiveness of animal manures on soil chemical properties, yield and root growth of Amaranthus (Amaranthus cruentus L.). Afr J Sci Technol 1:14–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Mafongoya PL, Barak P, Reed JD (2000) Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization of tree leaves and manure. Biol Fertil Soils 30:298–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Makkar HPS (2003) Effects and fate of tannins in ruminant animals, adaptation to tannins, and strategies to overcome detrimental effects of feeding tannin-rich feeds. Small Rumin Res 49:241–256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manna MC, Swarup A, Wanjari RH, Ravankar HN, Mishra B, Saha MN, Singh YV, Sahi DK, Sarap PA (2005) Long-term effect of fertilizer and manure application on soil organic carbon storage, soil quality and yield sustainability under sub-humid and semi-arid tropical India. Field Crop Res 93:264–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Materechera S (2010) Utilization and management practices of animal manure for replenishing soil fertility among small scale crop farmers in semi-arid farming districts of the North West Province, South Africa. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 87:415–428

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) Ecosystems and human well-being: synthesis. Island Press, Washington D.C

  • Naumann C, Bassler R, Seibold R, Barth C (1997) Methodenbuch. Band III, Die chemische Untersuchung von Futtermitteln, 3rd edn. VDLUFA, Darmstadt

    Google Scholar 

  • Nelson NO, Agudelo SC, Yuan W, Gan J (2011) Nitrogen and phosphorus availability in biochar-amended soils. Soil Sci 176:218–226

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Northup R, Dahlgren R, McColl J (1998) Polyphenols as regulators of plant-litter-soil interactions in Northern California’s pygmy forest: a positive feedback? Biogeochemistry 42:189–220

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Novobilský A, Mueller-Harvey I, Thamsborg SM (2011) Condensed tannins act against cattle nematodes. Vet Parasitol 182:213–220

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nyamangara J, Gotosa J, Mpofu SE (2001) Cattle manure effects on structural stability and water retention capacity of a granitic sandy soil in Zimbabwe. Soil Tillage Res 62:157–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oktem A, Simsek M, Oktem AG (2003) Deficit irrigation on sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) with drip irrigation system in a semi-arid region: I. Water-qield relationship. Agric Water Manag 61:63–74

  • Palm CA, Sanchez PA (1991) Nitrogen release from the leaves of some tropical legumes as affected by their lignin and polyphenolic contents. Soil Biol Biochem 23:83–88

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Poage GW, Scott CB, Bisson MG, Hartmann FS (2000) Activated charcoal attenuates bitterweed toxicosis in sheep. J Range Manag 53:73–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powell JM, Fernández-Rivera S, Hös S (1994) Effects of sheep diet on nutrient cycling in mixed farming systems of semi-arid West Africa. Agric Ecosyst Environ 48:263–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powell JM, Ikpe FN, Somda ZC (1999) Crop yield and the fate of nitrogen and phosphorus following application of plant material and feces to soil. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst 54:215–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Powell JM, Wattiaux MA, Broderick GA, Moreira VR, Casler MD (2006) Dairy diet impacts on fecal chemical properties and nitrogen cycling in soils. Soil Sci Soc Am J 70:786–794

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Puchala R, Min BR, Goetsch AL, Sahlu T (2005) The effect of a condensed tannin-containing forage on methane emission by goats. J Anim Sci 83:182–186

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rajkovich S, Enders A, Hanley K, Hyland C, Zimmerman A, Lehmann J (2012) Corn growth and nitrogen nutrition after additions of biochars with varying properties to a temperate soil. Biol Fertil Soils 48:271–284

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rivera-Hernández B, Carrillo-Ávila E, Obrador-Olán JJ, Juárez-López JF, Aceves-Navarro LA (2010) Morphological quality of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) ears as response to soil moisture tension and phosphate fertilization in Campeche, Mexico. Agric Water Manag 97:1365–1374

  • Rogosic J, Pfister JA, Provenza FD, Grbesa D (2006) The effect of activated charcoal and number of species offered on intake of Mediterranean shrubs by sheep and goats. Appl Anim Behav Sci 101:305–317

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogosic J, Moe SR, Skobic D, Knezovic Z, Rozic I, Zivkovic M, Pavlicevic J (2009) Effect of supplementation with barley and activated charcoal on intake of biochemically diverse Mediterranean shrubs. Small Rumin Res 81:70–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rufino MC, Rowe EC, Delve RJ, Giller KE (2006) Nitrogen cycling efficiencies through resource-poor African crop-livestock systems. Agric Ecosyst Environ 112:261–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schlecht E, Dickhoefer U, Predotova M, Buerkert A (2011) The importance of semi-arid natural mountain pastures for feed intake and recycling of nutrients by traditionally managed goats on the Arabian Peninsula. J Arid Environ 75:1136–1146

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schulz H, Glaser B (2012) Effects of biochar compared to organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and plant growth in a greenhouse experiment. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 175:410–422

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shankarnarayan KA, Bohra HC, Ghosh PK (1985) The goat: an appropriate animal for arid and semi-arid regions. Econ Polit Wkly 20:1965–1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Siegfried K, Dietz H, Schlecht E, Buerkert A (2011) Nutrient and carbon balances in organic vegetable production on an irrigated, sandy soil in northern Oman. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 174:678–689

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Siegfried K, Dietz H, Amthauer Gallardo D, Schlecht E, Buerkert A (2013) Effects of manure with different C/N ratios on yields, yield components and matter balances of organically grown vegetables on a sandy soil of northern Oman. Org Agric 3:9–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silanikove N, Gilboa N, Perevolotsky A, Nitsan Z (1996) Goats fed tannin-containing leaves do not exhibit toxic syndromes. Small Rumin Res 21:195–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sinkkonen A (2006) Ecological relationships and allelopathy. In: Reigosa MJ, Pedrol N, González L (eds) Allelopathy: a physiological process with ecological implications. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 373–394

  • Somda ZC, Powell JM, Fernández-Rivera S, Reed J (1995) Feed factors affecting nutrient excretion by ruminants and the fate of nutrients when applied to soil. In: Powell et al (eds) Livestock and sustainable nutrient cycling in mixed farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, pp 227–243

  • Steiner C, Teixeira WG, Lehmann J, Nehls T, de Macêdo JLV, Blum WEH, Zech W (2007) Long term effects of manure, charcoal and mineral fertilization on crop production and fertility on a highly weathered Central Amazonian upland soil. Plant Soil 291:275–290

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stoms DJ (1982) Effect of polyphenols on shoot and root growth and on seed germination. Biol Plant 24:1–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sukartono, Utomo WH, Kusuma Z, Nugroho WH (2011) Soil fertility status, nutrient uptake, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield following biochar and cattle manure application on sandy soils of Lombok, Indonesia. J Trop Agric 49:47–52

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • UNEP (1997) World atlas of desertification, 2nd edn. Arnold Publication, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Zwieten L, Kimber S, Morris S, Chan KY, Downie A, Rust J, Joseph S, Cowie A (2010) Effects of biochar from slow pyrolysis of papermill waste on agronomic performance and soil fertility. Plant Soil 327:235–246

  • Van DTT, Mui NT, Ledin I (2006) Effect of method of processing foliage of Acacia mangium and inclusion of bamboo charcoal in the diet on performance of growing goats. Anim Feed Sci Technol 130:242–256

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Watarai S, Tana, Koiwa M (2008) Feeding activated charcoal from bark containing wood vinegar liquid (nekka-rich) is effective as treatment for cryptosporidiosis in calves. J Dairy Sci 91:1458–1463

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wichern F, Müller T, Joergensen R, Buerkert A (2004) Effects of manure quality and application forms on soil C and N turnover of a subtropical oasis soil under laboratory conditions. Biol Fertil Soils 39:165–171

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WMO (2009) World Meteorological Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland

  • Yamato M, Okimori Y, Wibowo IF, Anshori S, Ogawa M (2006) Effects of the application of charred bark of Acacia mangium on the yield of maize, cowpea and peanut, and soil chemical properties in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Soil Sci Plant Nutr 52:489–495

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang A, Liu Y, Pan G, Hussain Q, Li L, Zheng J, Zhang X (2012) Effect of biochar amendment on maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions from a soil organic carbon poor calcareous loamy soil from Central China Plain. Plant Soil 351:263–275

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Organic Plant Production and Agroecosystems Research in the Tropics and Subtropics (OPTAS), University of Kassel, Steinstr. 19, 37213, Witzenhausen, Germany

    Mariko Ingold, Greta Jordan & Andreas Buerkert

  2. Animal Husbandry in the Tropics and Subtropics, Universität Kassel and Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Steinstr. 19, 37213, Witzenhausen, Germany

    Amal Al-Kindi & Eva Schlecht

  3. Royal Gardens and Farms, Royal Court Affairs, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

    Herbert Dietz

Authors
  1. Mariko Ingold
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Amal Al-Kindi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Greta Jordan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Herbert Dietz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Eva Schlecht
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Andreas Buerkert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andreas Buerkert.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ingold, M., Al-Kindi, A., Jordan, G. et al. Effects of activated charcoal and quebracho tannins added to feed or as soil conditioner on manure quality in organic agriculture. Org. Agr. 5, 245–261 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-015-0104-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-015-0104-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation