This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.
Recently, biochar has been widely used for versatile applications in agriculture and environment sectors as an effective tool to minimise waste and to increase the efficiency of circular economy. In the present work, we review the current knowledge about biochar role in N, P and K cycles. Ammonia volatilisation and N2O emission can be reduced by biochar addition. The content of available P can be improved by biochar through enhancement of solubilisation and reduction in P fixation on soil mineral, whilst high extractable K in biochar contributes to K cycle in soil. Liming effect and high CEC are important properties of biochars improving beneficial interactions with N, P and K soil cycle processes. The effectiveness of biochar on N, P and K cycles is associated with biochar properties which are mainly affected by feedstock type and pyrolysis condition.
Keiji Jindo; Yuki Audette; Fábio Satoshi Higashikawa; Carlos Alberto Silva; Kinya Akashi; Giovanni Mastrolonardo; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero; Claudio Mondini. Role of biochar in promoting circular economy in the agriculture sector. Part 1: A review of the biochar roles in soil N, P and K cycles. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture 2020, 7, 1 -12.
AMA StyleKeiji Jindo, Yuki Audette, Fábio Satoshi Higashikawa, Carlos Alberto Silva, Kinya Akashi, Giovanni Mastrolonardo, Miguel Sanchez-Monedero, Claudio Mondini. Role of biochar in promoting circular economy in the agriculture sector. Part 1: A review of the biochar roles in soil N, P and K cycles. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture. 2020; 7 (1):1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKeiji Jindo; Yuki Audette; Fábio Satoshi Higashikawa; Carlos Alberto Silva; Kinya Akashi; Giovanni Mastrolonardo; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero; Claudio Mondini. 2020. "Role of biochar in promoting circular economy in the agriculture sector. Part 1: A review of the biochar roles in soil N, P and K cycles." Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture 7, no. 1: 1-12.
Biochar has been shown to influence microbial denitrification and mitigate soil N2O emissions. However, it is unclear if biochar is able to directly stimulate the microbial reduction of N2O to N2. We hypothesized that the ability of biochar to lower N2O emissions could be related not only to its ability to store electrons, but to donate them to bacteria that enzymatically reduce N2O. Therefore, we carried out anoxic incubations with Paracoccus denitrificans, known amounts of N2O, and nine contrasting biochars, in the absence of any other electron donor or acceptor. We found a strong and direct correlation between the extent and rates of N2O reduction with biochar's EDC/EEC (electron donating capacity/electron exchange capacity). Apart from the redox capacity, other biochar properties were found to regulate the biochar; s ability to increase N2O reduction by Paracoccus denitrificans. For this specific biochar series, we found that a high H/C and ash content, low surface area and poor lignin feedstocks favoured N2O reduction. This provides valuable information for producing tailored biochars with the potential to assist and promote the reduction of N2O in the pursuit of reducing this greenhouse gas emissions.
Mª Blanca Pascual; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero; Maria Luz Cayuela; Shun Li; Stefan B Haderlein; Reiner Ruser; Andreas Kappler. Biochar as electron donor for reduction of N2O by Paracoccus denitrificans. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 2020, 96, 1 .
AMA StyleMª Blanca Pascual, Miguel Sanchez-Monedero, Maria Luz Cayuela, Shun Li, Stefan B Haderlein, Reiner Ruser, Andreas Kappler. Biochar as electron donor for reduction of N2O by Paracoccus denitrificans. FEMS Microbiology Ecology. 2020; 96 (8):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMª Blanca Pascual; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero; Maria Luz Cayuela; Shun Li; Stefan B Haderlein; Reiner Ruser; Andreas Kappler. 2020. "Biochar as electron donor for reduction of N2O by Paracoccus denitrificans." FEMS Microbiology Ecology 96, no. 8: 1.
The addition of alkaline and high-cation exchange capacity (CEC) biochars is a suitable strategy to increase the CEC of weathered soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biochar from different feedstocks and pyrolysis temperatures on the CEC of two contrasting Oxisols. Biochars produced from chicken manure (CM), eucalyptus sawdust (ES), coffee husk (CH) and sugarcane bagasse (SB),plus a control (without biochar), at 350, 450, and 750 °C were mixed with the soils at 2; 5; 10 and 20% (w/w) and incubated for 9 months. Feedstock, pyrolysis temperature and addition rate of biochar were key factors controlling the alteration of soil CEC. The CH biochar pyrolyzed at 350 °C was the most effective matrix at increasing soil CEC. In a rate-dependent way, ES and SB biochars increased C contents of both soils without improving soil CEC. The efficiency of high-ash biochars in enhancing soil CEC in both Oxisols was limited by the alkalization caused by high rates of CH and CM biochars. The increase in CEC is soil-dependent and modulated by high-ash biochar CEC and application rate, as well as by the original soil CEC.
Rimena R. Domingues; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Kurt A. Spokas; Leônidas C. A. Melo; Paulo F. Trugilho; Murilo Nunes Valenciano; Carlos A. Silva. Enhancing Cation Exchange Capacity of Weathered Soils Using Biochar: Feedstock, Pyrolysis Conditions and Addition Rate. Agronomy 2020, 10, 824 .
AMA StyleRimena R. Domingues, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero, Kurt A. Spokas, Leônidas C. A. Melo, Paulo F. Trugilho, Murilo Nunes Valenciano, Carlos A. Silva. Enhancing Cation Exchange Capacity of Weathered Soils Using Biochar: Feedstock, Pyrolysis Conditions and Addition Rate. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (6):824.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRimena R. Domingues; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Kurt A. Spokas; Leônidas C. A. Melo; Paulo F. Trugilho; Murilo Nunes Valenciano; Carlos A. Silva. 2020. "Enhancing Cation Exchange Capacity of Weathered Soils Using Biochar: Feedstock, Pyrolysis Conditions and Addition Rate." Agronomy 10, no. 6: 824.
The demand for biostimulants has been growing at an annual rate of 10 and 12.4% in Europe and Northern America, respectively. The beneficial effects of humic substances (HS) as biostimulants of plant growth have been well-known since the 1980s, and they can be supportive to a circular economy if they are extracted from different renewable resources of organic matter including harvest residues, wastewater, sewage sludge, and manure. This paper presents an overview of the scientific outputs on application methods of HS in different conditions. Firstly, the functionality of HS in the primary and secondary metabolism under stressed and non-stressed cropping conditions is discussed along with crop protection against pathogens. Secondly, the advantages and limitations of five different types of HS application under open-fields and greenhouse conditions are described. Key factors, such as the chemical structure of HS, application method, optimal rate, and field circumstances, play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth by HS treatment as a biostimulant. If we can get a better grip on these factors, HS has the potential to become a part of circular agriculture.
Keiji Jindo; Fabio Lopes Olivares; Deyse Jacqueline Da Paixão Malcher; Miguel Angel Sánchez-Monedero; Corné Kempenaar; Luciano Pasqualoto Canellas. From Lab to Field: Role of Humic Substances Under Open-Field and Greenhouse Conditions as Biostimulant and Biocontrol Agent. Frontiers in Plant Science 2020, 11, 1 .
AMA StyleKeiji Jindo, Fabio Lopes Olivares, Deyse Jacqueline Da Paixão Malcher, Miguel Angel Sánchez-Monedero, Corné Kempenaar, Luciano Pasqualoto Canellas. From Lab to Field: Role of Humic Substances Under Open-Field and Greenhouse Conditions as Biostimulant and Biocontrol Agent. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020; 11 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKeiji Jindo; Fabio Lopes Olivares; Deyse Jacqueline Da Paixão Malcher; Miguel Angel Sánchez-Monedero; Corné Kempenaar; Luciano Pasqualoto Canellas. 2020. "From Lab to Field: Role of Humic Substances Under Open-Field and Greenhouse Conditions as Biostimulant and Biocontrol Agent." Frontiers in Plant Science 11, no. : 1.
There is growing evidence on the importance of the redox properties of biochar for many environmental applications. However, its variability and the difficulty in controlling its redox properties could be delaying the use of biochar in those areas that involve the exchange of electrons, like microbial fuel cells or contaminant degradation related to microbial electron shuttling. To help with these issues, we produced a wide range of biochars showing different redox capacities through a variety of strategies. These include optimizing production and processing parameters, feedstock selection, preloading biomass with redox-active metals and post-pyrolysis treatments. A modified Hummer’s method was the most efficient treatment, increasing the electron donating capacity from 0.244 mmol e−/gbiochar to 0.590 mmol e−/gbiochar and the electron accepting capacity from 0.169 mmol e−/gbiochar to 0.645 mmol e−/gbiochar. The characterization of the phases responsible for the redox properties, mainly surface functional groups, radicals and redox-active metals, allowed us to better understand the changes caused to biochar by the different strategies. It revealed that the most important approach to enhance redox properties is to increase the number of C–OH and CO groups in biochar, while the methods that use redox-active metals showed higher than predicted electron donating capacities. We also measured other attributes such as surface area, pH and conductivity, with a focus on their relationship with the redox properties. By selecting the appropriate production and modification methods, we were able to produce a balanced biochar with acceptable conductivity (1.34 mS/cm) and electron exchange capacity (0.418 mmol e−/gbiochar), even though these properties usually have an inverse relationship. This work opens the possibility for the production of designer biochars with tailored properties optimized for specific applications.
Francisco J. Chacón; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero; Luis Lezama; Maria L. Cayuela. Enhancing biochar redox properties through feedstock selection, metal preloading and post-pyrolysis treatments. Chemical Engineering Journal 2020, 395, 125100 .
AMA StyleFrancisco J. Chacón, Miguel Sanchez-Monedero, Luis Lezama, Maria L. Cayuela. Enhancing biochar redox properties through feedstock selection, metal preloading and post-pyrolysis treatments. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2020; 395 ():125100.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco J. Chacón; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero; Luis Lezama; Maria L. Cayuela. 2020. "Enhancing biochar redox properties through feedstock selection, metal preloading and post-pyrolysis treatments." Chemical Engineering Journal 395, no. : 125100.
Biochar has attracted great attention in the soil scientific community for its interaction with different biogeochemical cycles and its potential environmental and agronomical benefits. However, there is only limited information about its effect on plant secondary metabolism. In this manuscript, a biochar produced from olive tree pruning by slow pyrolysis at 600 °C was selected to analyze its impact on the concentration of the health-promoting compounds glucosinolates (GLSs) in broccoli. The biochar was applied as soil amendment, alone or combined with organic and mineral fertilization, in a broccoli cultivar in the field. We found that this particular biochar caused an enrichment in GLSs concentration in broccoli amended with biochar alone. Meanwhile, the fertilized treatments caused a decrease in the GLSs concentration in broccoli inflorescence, particularly mineral fertilization originated the lowest concentration of neoglucobrassicin and glucoraphanin. When biochar was combined with mineral fertilization it increased the concentration of GLS to similar levels as the untreated plants, probably as a physiological response of the plant to the enhanced physicochemical properties of biochar amended soils. These findings highlight the importance of agronomical practices in achieving a balance between a good performance in production and the presence of beneficial phytochemicals.
Paula García Ibáñez; Maria Sanchez-Garcia; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Maria Luz Cayuela; Diego A. Moreno. Olive tree pruning derived biochar increases glucosinolate concentrations in broccoli. Scientia Horticulturae 2020, 267, 109329 .
AMA StylePaula García Ibáñez, Maria Sanchez-Garcia, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero, Maria Luz Cayuela, Diego A. Moreno. Olive tree pruning derived biochar increases glucosinolate concentrations in broccoli. Scientia Horticulturae. 2020; 267 ():109329.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaula García Ibáñez; Maria Sanchez-Garcia; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Maria Luz Cayuela; Diego A. Moreno. 2020. "Olive tree pruning derived biochar increases glucosinolate concentrations in broccoli." Scientia Horticulturae 267, no. : 109329.
The impact of different forms of nitrogen input, biochar amendments and their combination on the yield-scaled N2O emissions were investigated during the cultivation of a representative commercial crop. A field randomized block design with inorganic/organic fertilization and biochar amendment was established during a crop cycle of drip-irrigated broccoli. N2O emissions were measured with a static chamber in crop rows and in the bare soil control. N2O emissions were triggered by N fertigation and heavy rainfall events and increased as the plants grew. Organic fertilization resulted in higher N2O emissions than mineral fertilization and these treatments also resulted in the highest peak emissions after fertigation events. Biochar had a significant mitigation effect in hot moments registered immediately after fertilization in organic fertilization treatments. However, biochar caused a slight but not significant reduction in cumulative N2O emissions in all treatments. Peak emissions after heavy rainfall were similar in all the treatments and were not affected by the biochar amendment. Biochar usage decreased the soil bulk density in the inorganic fertilization treatments and facilitated N uptake by the plants. Biochar addition resulted in a significant reduction in yield-scaled emissions, which was more pronounced in the inorganic fertilizer treatments.
M. Sánchez-García; M.A. Sánchez-Monedero; M.L. Cayuela. N2O emissions during Brassica oleracea cultivation: Interaction of biochar with mineral and organic fertilization. European Journal of Agronomy 2020, 115, 126021 .
AMA StyleM. Sánchez-García, M.A. Sánchez-Monedero, M.L. Cayuela. N2O emissions during Brassica oleracea cultivation: Interaction of biochar with mineral and organic fertilization. European Journal of Agronomy. 2020; 115 ():126021.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Sánchez-García; M.A. Sánchez-Monedero; M.L. Cayuela. 2020. "N2O emissions during Brassica oleracea cultivation: Interaction of biochar with mineral and organic fertilization." European Journal of Agronomy 115, no. : 126021.
Compost represents a sustainable alternative for peat (P) replacement in soilless plant cultivation, but its use can be limited by several inadequate physical and physicochemical properties. Biochar can alleviate some of the limitations of compost for its use as growth media by improving the physical properties, decreasing salinity and making the phytotoxic compounds unavailable for plants. We studied the physical and physicochemical properties of holm oak biochar (B), poultry manure compost (PMC), poultry manure composted with biochar (PMBC), a commercial peat (P) and multiple combinations of these materials as growth media, and their effect on the rooting and growth of rosemary. PMBC and PMC showed similar physical and physicochemical properties as growing media, and they both were phytotoxic when used in a rate above 50% (by volume) in the growing medium. However, when used at proportion of 25%, PMBC was less phytotoxic than PMC and enhanced the percentage of rosemary cutting rooting. The incorporation of B in the growing medium instead of P (either at 50% or 75% in volume) increased the stability of the growing media and the percentage of rooted cuttings, but it did not affect plant growth significantly. Our results demonstrate the potential of substituting peat by a combination of poultry manure compost and biochar for the formulation of growth media.
Fernando Fornes; Luisa Liu; Antonio Lidón; María Sánchez-García; María Luz Cayuela; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Rosa María Belda. Biochar Improves the Properties of Poultry Manure Compost as Growing Media for Rosemary Production. Agronomy 2020, 10, 261 .
AMA StyleFernando Fornes, Luisa Liu, Antonio Lidón, María Sánchez-García, María Luz Cayuela, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero, Rosa María Belda. Biochar Improves the Properties of Poultry Manure Compost as Growing Media for Rosemary Production. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (2):261.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFernando Fornes; Luisa Liu; Antonio Lidón; María Sánchez-García; María Luz Cayuela; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Rosa María Belda. 2020. "Biochar Improves the Properties of Poultry Manure Compost as Growing Media for Rosemary Production." Agronomy 10, no. 2: 261.
Aerobic soils are the largest biotic sink for atmospheric methane (CH4). Although agricultural intensification is known to adversely impact soil CH4 uptake, the application of organic amendments (e.g. composts, green residues) in agricultural soils has been found to stimulate the activity of CH4 oxidizers. However, little is known about the influence of biochar (a carbonaceous by-product of biomass pyrolysis) on the soil CH4 sink function. This study analyzes, through a series of laboratory incubation assays, how ten well-characterized biochars with contrasting properties influence CH4 oxidation rate constants (k) in an aerobic high-pH agricultural soil. Through the use of 13C-CH4, we demonstrated that both CH4 soil oxidation and CH4 assimilation were responsible for the decrease in CH4 concentration. A principal component regression (PCR) of the results suggested that the physico chemical properties of biochars were directly linked to their ability to enhance or inhibit the oxidation of CH4. Biochars from wood feedstocks and pyrolysed at 600 °C, characterized by a high pore area, led to the highest CH4 oxidation rates whereas biochars with high ash concentrations and electrical conductivity significantly diminished CH4 oxidation rates. Biochar redox properties were not found to be relevant for CH4 oxidation in soil.
María Blanca Pascual; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Francisco J. Chacón; María Sánchez-García; María L. Cayuela. Linking biochars properties to their capacity to modify aerobic CH4 oxidation in an upland agricultural soil. Geoderma 2020, 363, 114179 .
AMA StyleMaría Blanca Pascual, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero, Francisco J. Chacón, María Sánchez-García, María L. Cayuela. Linking biochars properties to their capacity to modify aerobic CH4 oxidation in an upland agricultural soil. Geoderma. 2020; 363 ():114179.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaría Blanca Pascual; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Francisco J. Chacón; María Sánchez-García; María L. Cayuela. 2020. "Linking biochars properties to their capacity to modify aerobic CH4 oxidation in an upland agricultural soil." Geoderma 363, no. : 114179.
Compost application has been suggested to sustain yields as well as reduce reactive nitrogen (N) loss in greenhouse vegetable production. However, there remains significant gaps in understanding the potential and mechanisms for compost application to reduce N leaching. Here, a leaching column experiment was conducted to examine N leaching under chili pepper cultivation in response to the application of synthetic N fertilizer (SNF) alone and in combination with composted maize straw (STR), spent mushroom compost (MUS), composted herb residue (HER), composted cattle manure (CAM) or composted pig manure (PIM). The biochemical quality of the composts was assessed by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and soil microbial ecoenzymatic stoichiometry (C:N acquisition activity) was evaluated by ratio of β-glucosidase to N-acetylglucosaminidase. Total N (TN) leaching was mainly in the form of dissolved organic N and nitrate, accounting for 54–67% and 30–42%, respectively, over the whole growing period. The amount of TN leaching was 23.6 kg N ha−1 without N application, and was increased with the application of urea and compost with the exception of the PIM treatment (18.6 kg N ha−1). The largest amount of TN leaching was observed in the MUS treatment (39.3 kg N ha−1), which was significantly higher than the other treatments except HER. Interestingly, all forms of N leaching showed significantly positive relationships with the N-alkyl C and carbonyl C of the composts, but negative relationship with alkyl C. This could partly explain the highest N leaching from the MUS treatment and lowest from the PIM treatment. Moreover, all forms of N leaching were significantly correlated with soil enzymatic C:N acquisition ratio. The highest enzymatic C:N ratio found in the MUS treatment indicated that soil microorganisms invest more in C acquisition than N assimilation, which might in turn lead to more N leaching. Overall, our study highlights the role of the biochemical quality of composts in mediating N leaching, and suggests that composts with low N-alkyl C and carbonyl C and high alkyl C were effective in reducing the N leaching from the greenhouse soils under vegetable cultivation.
Yehong Xu; Yan Ma; Maria Luz Cayuela; Miguel Angel Sánchez-Monedero; Qiujun Wang. Compost biochemical quality mediates nitrogen leaching loss in a greenhouse soil under vegetable cultivation. Geoderma 2019, 358, 113984 .
AMA StyleYehong Xu, Yan Ma, Maria Luz Cayuela, Miguel Angel Sánchez-Monedero, Qiujun Wang. Compost biochemical quality mediates nitrogen leaching loss in a greenhouse soil under vegetable cultivation. Geoderma. 2019; 358 ():113984.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYehong Xu; Yan Ma; Maria Luz Cayuela; Miguel Angel Sánchez-Monedero; Qiujun Wang. 2019. "Compost biochemical quality mediates nitrogen leaching loss in a greenhouse soil under vegetable cultivation." Geoderma 358, no. : 113984.
The efficiency of biochar for reducing the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) was investigated in a composting mixture containing 90% poultry manure and 10% straw (with and without 3% biochar addition) at three different stages of the process. The use of a low application rate of biochar reduced the concentration of VOC during the thermophilic phase. Biochar significantly reduced the levels of nitrogen volatile compounds, which are the most abundant VOC family, originated from microbial transformation of the N-compounds originally present in manure. The most efficient VOC reduction was observed in oxygenated volatile compounds (ketones, phenols and organic acids), which are intermediates of organic matter degradation, whereas there was no effect on other VOC families (aliphatic, aromatic and terpenes). These results suggest the importance of not only the sorption capacity of biochar but also its impact in the composting progress as main drivers for VOC reduction.
M.A. Sánchez-Monedero; M. Sánchez-García; J.A. Alburquerque; Maria Luz Cayuela. Biochar reduces volatile organic compounds generated during chicken manure composting. Bioresource Technology 2019, 288, 121584 .
AMA StyleM.A. Sánchez-Monedero, M. Sánchez-García, J.A. Alburquerque, Maria Luz Cayuela. Biochar reduces volatile organic compounds generated during chicken manure composting. Bioresource Technology. 2019; 288 ():121584.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM.A. Sánchez-Monedero; M. Sánchez-García; J.A. Alburquerque; Maria Luz Cayuela. 2019. "Biochar reduces volatile organic compounds generated during chicken manure composting." Bioresource Technology 288, no. : 121584.
Using biochar as a bulking agent in composting is gradually becoming popular for the minimization of nitrogen losses during the process and the improvement in compost quality. While a wide range of different biochar doses is applied, not much clear information was available about the optimum ratio. This study presents the impact of adding a low dose (2% v/v) of slow-pyrolysis oak biochar (Quercus serrate Murray), into poultry manure on the recalcitrant characteristic of humified organic matter. The influence in the chemical composition of humic-like substance was evaluated in poultry manure compost prepared with (PM+B) and without biochar (PM). The shift to slightly more stable chemical composition was shown in humic acid-like (HA) and fulvic acid-like (FA) extracted from PM+B compost, by increasing the proportion of aromatic carbon groups and thermal stability measured by thermogravimetry. We conclude that the addition of 2% biochar moderately enhances the recalcitrance of humified organic carbon and this could be feasible for the implementation of the biochar use in composting since only a small amount is required.
Keiji Jindo; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Kazuhiro Matsumoto; Tomonori Sonoki. The Efficiency of a Low Dose of Biochar in Enhancing the Aromaticity of Humic-Like Substance Extracted from Poultry Manure Compost. Agronomy 2019, 9, 248 .
AMA StyleKeiji Jindo, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero, Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Tomonori Sonoki. The Efficiency of a Low Dose of Biochar in Enhancing the Aromaticity of Humic-Like Substance Extracted from Poultry Manure Compost. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (5):248.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKeiji Jindo; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; Kazuhiro Matsumoto; Tomonori Sonoki. 2019. "The Efficiency of a Low Dose of Biochar in Enhancing the Aromaticity of Humic-Like Substance Extracted from Poultry Manure Compost." Agronomy 9, no. 5: 248.
This paper reports the results on the agronomic performance of organic amendments in the EU 7th FP project “FERTIPLUS—reducing mineral fertilizers and agro-chemicals by recycling treated organic waste as compost and bio-char”. Four case studies on field-scale application of biochar, compost and biochar-blended compost were established and studied for three consecutive years in four distinct cropping systems and under different agro-climatic conditions in Europe. These included the following sites: olive groves in Murcia (Spain), greenhouse grown tomatoes in Almeria (Spain), an arable crop rotation in Oost-Vlaanderen (Merelbeke, Belgium), and three vineyards in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy). A slow pyrolysis oak biochar was applied, either alone or in combination with organic residues: compost from olive wastes in Murcia (Spain), sheep manure in Almeria (Spain), and compost from biowaste and green waste in Belgium and Italy. The agronomical benefits were evaluated based on different aspects of soil fertility (soil total organic carbon (TOC), pH, nutrient cycling and microbial activity) and crop nutritional status and productivity. All amendments were effective in increasing soil organic C in all the field trials. On average, the increase with respect to the control was about 11% for compost, 20% for biochar-blended compost, and 36% for biochar. The amendments also raised the pH by 0.15–0.50 units in acidic soils. Only biochar had a negligible fertilization effect. On the contrary, compost and biochar-blended compost were effective in enhancing soil fertility by increasing nutrient cycling (25% mean increase in extractable organic C and 44% increase in extractable N), element availability (26% increase in available K), and soil microbial activity (26% increase in soil respiration and 2–4 fold enhancement of denitrifying activity). In general, the tested amendments did not show any negative effect on crop yield and quality. Furthermore, in vineyards and greenhouse grown tomatoes cropping systems, compost and biochar-blended compost were also effective in enhancing key crop quality parameters (9% increase in grape must acidity and 16% increase in weight, 9% increase in diameter and 8% increase in hardness of tomato fruits) important for the quality and marketability of the crops. The overall results of the project suggest that the application of a mixture of biochar and compost can benefit crops. Therefore, biochar-blended compost can support and maintain soil fertility.
Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; María L. Cayuela; María Sánchez-García; Bart Vandecasteele; Tommy D’Hose; Guadalupe López; Carolina Martínez-Gaitán; Peter J. Kuikman; Tania Sinicco; Claudio Mondini. Agronomic Evaluation of Biochar, Compost and Biochar-Blended Compost across Different Cropping Systems: Perspective from the European Project FERTIPLUS. Agronomy 2019, 9, 225 .
AMA StyleMiguel A. Sánchez-Monedero, María L. Cayuela, María Sánchez-García, Bart Vandecasteele, Tommy D’Hose, Guadalupe López, Carolina Martínez-Gaitán, Peter J. Kuikman, Tania Sinicco, Claudio Mondini. Agronomic Evaluation of Biochar, Compost and Biochar-Blended Compost across Different Cropping Systems: Perspective from the European Project FERTIPLUS. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (5):225.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel A. Sánchez-Monedero; María L. Cayuela; María Sánchez-García; Bart Vandecasteele; Tommy D’Hose; Guadalupe López; Carolina Martínez-Gaitán; Peter J. Kuikman; Tania Sinicco; Claudio Mondini. 2019. "Agronomic Evaluation of Biochar, Compost and Biochar-Blended Compost across Different Cropping Systems: Perspective from the European Project FERTIPLUS." Agronomy 9, no. 5: 225.
Mediterranean climate areas are home to highly relevant and distinctive agro-ecosystems, where sustainability is threatened by water scarcity and continuous loss of soil organic carbon. In these systems, recycling strategies to close the loop between crop production (and agro-related industries) and soil conservation are of special interest in the current context of climate change mitigation. Pyrolysis represents a recycling option for the production of energy and biochar, a carbonaceous product with a wide range of environmental and agronomic applications. Considering that biochar functionality depends on both the original biomass and the pyrolysis conditions, we produced and characterized 22 biochars in order to evaluate their potential to sequester C and modify soil physicochemical properties. The pore size distribution was a function of the original biomass and did not change with the temperature of pyrolysis. The highest number of pores within the size 0.2–30 μm, relevant for plant available water retention, was reached at 600 °C. However, ideal pyrolysis conditions to optimize C stability and hydrologic properties was reached at 400 °C in woody derived biochars, as higher temperatures lead to a nontransient hydrophobicity. This study highlights relevant physicochemical properties of locally derived biochars that can be used to tackle specific challenges in Mediterranean agroecosystems.
M. Sánchez-García; Maria Luz Cayuela; Daniel P. Rasse; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. Biochars from Mediterranean Agroindustry Residues: Physicochemical Properties Relevant for C Sequestration and Soil Water Retention. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2019, 7, 4724 -4733.
AMA StyleM. Sánchez-García, Maria Luz Cayuela, Daniel P. Rasse, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. Biochars from Mediterranean Agroindustry Residues: Physicochemical Properties Relevant for C Sequestration and Soil Water Retention. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2019; 7 (5):4724-4733.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Sánchez-García; Maria Luz Cayuela; Daniel P. Rasse; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. 2019. "Biochars from Mediterranean Agroindustry Residues: Physicochemical Properties Relevant for C Sequestration and Soil Water Retention." ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 7, no. 5: 4724-4733.
Biochar has been found to interact with N transformations in soil but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study we investigated the priming effect of combined biochar and urea inputs on soil inorganic N pools through an isotope tracer approach. Biochar was applied in combination with urea in two complementary laboratory experiments: (i) in the first one, three 15N-labeled organic amendments (wheat straw (WS), its biochars produced at 350 °C (B350) and at 550 °C (B550) were added to soil in combination with unlabeled urea; (ii) in the second experiment the three same, but unlabeled, amendments were added to soil in combination with 15N labeled urea. This system allowed partitioning between three N sources: native soil N, biochar-derived N and urea-derived N. In addition, CO2 fluxes were measured to follow total C mineralization in soil and N2O emissions were monitored. The proportion of N that mineralized from biochar was always below 0.5% of the added N. The co-addition of urea increased the concentration of NH4+ derived from B350, but not from B550, demonstrating the lower mineralization of N in biochars produced at 550 °C. Whereas the addition of WS led to a rapid immobilization of N, we found that despite their high C:N, none of the biochars, applied at a rate of 1.5%, immobilized inorganic N in soil. On the contrary, significantly higher NH4+concentrations derived from native soil organic N (SON) and urea were found throughout the incubation when B550 was added. This effect can be attributed to an apparent priming effect since a net decrease in CO2 fluxes was recorded when biochar was added to the soil. The addition of glucose (a low molecular weight carbon source) stimulated an increase in CO2 fluxes in all treatments along with a net N immobilization in soil. However, both biochars significantly reduced C readily available to microbes, as proved by lower soil CO2 fluxes, and limited the immobilization of NH4+ induced by glucose addition. Our results suggest that biochar may partially offset the mineralization of easily available organic C, buffering the immobilization of inorganic N in soil when labile organic compounds (e.g. root exudates, fresh manure, etc.) are incorporated.
N. Fiorentino; M.A. Sánchez-Monedero; J. Lehmann; A. Enders; M. Fagnano; M.L. Cayuela. Interactive priming of soil N transformations from combining biochar and urea inputs: A 15N isotope tracer study. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 2019, 131, 166 -175.
AMA StyleN. Fiorentino, M.A. Sánchez-Monedero, J. Lehmann, A. Enders, M. Fagnano, M.L. Cayuela. Interactive priming of soil N transformations from combining biochar and urea inputs: A 15N isotope tracer study. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 2019; 131 ():166-175.
Chicago/Turabian StyleN. Fiorentino; M.A. Sánchez-Monedero; J. Lehmann; A. Enders; M. Fagnano; M.L. Cayuela. 2019. "Interactive priming of soil N transformations from combining biochar and urea inputs: A 15N isotope tracer study." Soil Biology and Biochemistry 131, no. : 166-175.
Soil amendment with exogenous organic matter (EOM) represents an effective option for sustainable management of organic residues and enhancement of soil organic C (SOC) content. Optimization of soil amendment is hampered by the high variability in EOM quality and pedoclimatic conditions. A possible solution to this problem could be represented by spatially explicit soil C modeling. The aim of this study was the evaluation at regional level of the long term C storage potential of EOM added to the soil under climate change by using a modified version of the RothC specifically developed for C simulation in amended soil. To achieve this goal a spatially explicit version of the modified RothC model was deployed to assess at a national scale the potential for C storage of agricultural soils amended with different EOMs. Long term model simulations of continuous amendment (100 years) indicated that EOMs greatly differ for their soil C sequestration potential (range 0.110–0.385 t C ha−1 y−1), mainly depending to their degree of stabilization. Spatial explicit modeling of amended soil, taking into account the different combinations of EOMs and application sites, indicated a high variability in the potential of SOC accumulation at the national level (range: 0.06–0.62 t C ha−1 y−1). EOM quality showed a larger impact on long term SOC accumulation than variability in pedoclimatic conditions. Model simulations predicted that the contribution of soil amendment in tackling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is limited: soil C sequestration potential of compost applied to all Italian agricultural land corresponded to 5.3% of the total annual GHG emissions in Italy. Large scale modeling enables areas with the largest potential for EOM accumulation to be identified, therefore suggesting ways for optimizing resources. The spatially explicit version of the modified RothC model improves the predictive power of SOC modeling at regional scale in amended soils, because it takes into account, besides variability in pedoclimatic conditions, the large differences in EOMs quality.
Claudio Mondini; Maria Luz Cayuela; Tania Sinicco; Flavio Fornasier; Antonia Galvez; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero. Soil C Storage Potential of Exogenous Organic Matter at Regional Level (Italy) Under Climate Change Simulated by RothC Model Modified for Amended Soils. Frontiers in Environmental Science 2018, 6, 1 .
AMA StyleClaudio Mondini, Maria Luz Cayuela, Tania Sinicco, Flavio Fornasier, Antonia Galvez, Miguel Sanchez-Monedero. Soil C Storage Potential of Exogenous Organic Matter at Regional Level (Italy) Under Climate Change Simulated by RothC Model Modified for Amended Soils. Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2018; 6 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudio Mondini; Maria Luz Cayuela; Tania Sinicco; Flavio Fornasier; Antonia Galvez; Miguel Sanchez-Monedero. 2018. "Soil C Storage Potential of Exogenous Organic Matter at Regional Level (Italy) Under Climate Change Simulated by RothC Model Modified for Amended Soils." Frontiers in Environmental Science 6, no. : 1.
Composting operations taking place at municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment plants represent a source of volatile organic compounds (VOC) to the atmosphere. Understanding the variables governing the release of VOC at these facilities is crucial to assess potential health risks for site workers and local residents. In this work the changes in the VOC composition of a composting pile were monitored and compared to the VOC emmited from the same pile in order to understand the impact of composting operations on the release of VOC. More than one hundred VOC were indentified in the solid phase of the composting piles, which were dominated by terpenes (about 50% of the total amount of VOC) and in a lower quantity alcohols, volatile fatty acids and aromatic compounds. There was a reduction in the total concentration of VOC in the pile during composting, from 45 to 35 mg/kg, but the compostion and distribution of VOC families remained stable in the pile even in the mature compost. However, there was no correlation between the emitted VOC and their concentration in the composting pile. The VOC emission pattern was affected by the biological activity in the pile (measured by temperature, CO2 evolution and the presence of CH4 emissions). The highest VOC emissions were detected at early stages of the process, alongside with the generation of CH4 in the pile, and then decreased sharply in the mature compost as a consequence of biodegradation and volatilisation. These results pointed to the importance of composting operation rather than the composition of the raw materials on the release of VOC in composting plants.
M.A. Sánchez-Monedero; A. Fernández-Hernández; F.S. Higashikawa; M.L. Cayuela. Relationships between emitted volatile organic compounds and their concentration in the pile during municipal solid waste composting. Waste Management 2018, 79, 179 -187.
AMA StyleM.A. Sánchez-Monedero, A. Fernández-Hernández, F.S. Higashikawa, M.L. Cayuela. Relationships between emitted volatile organic compounds and their concentration in the pile during municipal solid waste composting. Waste Management. 2018; 79 ():179-187.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM.A. Sánchez-Monedero; A. Fernández-Hernández; F.S. Higashikawa; M.L. Cayuela. 2018. "Relationships between emitted volatile organic compounds and their concentration in the pile during municipal solid waste composting." Waste Management 79, no. : 179-187.
Biochar is traditionally made from clean lignocellulosic or waste materials that create no competition for land use. In this paper, the suitability of alternative feedstocks of agricultural and urban origins are explored. A range of biochars was produced from holm oak and a selection of organic wastes, such as greenhouse wastes, greenwastes, a cellulosic urban waste, municipal press cake and pig manure. They were characterized and assessed for their potential agricultural use. The physicochemical properties of biochars were mainly driven by the characteristics of feedstocks and the pyrolysis temperature. The use of pre-treated lignocellulosic residues led to biochars with a high concentration of ash, macro and micronutrients, whereas raw lignocellulosic residues produced biochars with characteristics similar to traditional wood biochars. All biochars were found to be suitable for agricultural use according to the international standards for the use of biochars as soil amendments, with the exception of a biochar from urban origin, which presented high levels of Cr and Pb. The use of these biochars as soil amendments requires a thorough agronomical evaluation to assess their impact on soil biogeochemical cycles and plant growth.
Inés López-Cano; María L. Cayuela; Claudio Mondini; Chibi A. Takaya; Andrew B. Ross; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. Suitability of Different Agricultural and Urban Organic Wastes as Feedstocks for the Production of Biochar—Part 1: Physicochemical Characterisation. Sustainability 2018, 10, 2265 .
AMA StyleInés López-Cano, María L. Cayuela, Claudio Mondini, Chibi A. Takaya, Andrew B. Ross, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. Suitability of Different Agricultural and Urban Organic Wastes as Feedstocks for the Production of Biochar—Part 1: Physicochemical Characterisation. Sustainability. 2018; 10 (7):2265.
Chicago/Turabian StyleInés López-Cano; María L. Cayuela; Claudio Mondini; Chibi A. Takaya; Andrew B. Ross; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. 2018. "Suitability of Different Agricultural and Urban Organic Wastes as Feedstocks for the Production of Biochar—Part 1: Physicochemical Characterisation." Sustainability 10, no. 7: 2265.
The recycling of organic wastes in agriculture contributes to a circular economy by returning to the soil nutrients and reducing the need of mineral-based fertilisers. An agronomical and environmental evaluation of a series of biochars prepared from a range of urban and agricultural wastes was performed by soil incubation experiments and pot trials. The impact of biochar addition (alone, or in combination with either mineral or organic fertiliser) on soil N, P and micronutrients was studied, as well as the potential limitations for their agricultural use (associated to phytotoxicity and presence of potentially toxic metals). The type and origin of feedstock only had a minor impact on the response of biochar in soil and its interaction with the most important nutrient cycles. The presence of ashes in biochars prepared from urban and pre-treated organic wastes caused an increase in the availability of N and P in soil, compared to raw lignocellulosic biochar. All tested biochars exhibited favourable properties as soil amendments and no phytotoxic effects or negative impacts on soil nutrient dynamics were observed during the soil incubation experiments. Their agricultural use is only limited by the presence of potentially toxic metals in biochars prepared from feedstocks of urban origins.
Inés López-Cano; María Luz Cayuela; María Sánchez-García; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. Suitability of Different Agricultural and Urban Organic Wastes as Feedstocks for the Production of Biochar—Part 2: Agronomical Evaluation as Soil Amendment. Sustainability 2018, 10, 2077 .
AMA StyleInés López-Cano, María Luz Cayuela, María Sánchez-García, Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. Suitability of Different Agricultural and Urban Organic Wastes as Feedstocks for the Production of Biochar—Part 2: Agronomical Evaluation as Soil Amendment. Sustainability. 2018; 10 (6):2077.
Chicago/Turabian StyleInés López-Cano; María Luz Cayuela; María Sánchez-García; Miguel A. Sánchez-Monedero. 2018. "Suitability of Different Agricultural and Urban Organic Wastes as Feedstocks for the Production of Biochar—Part 2: Agronomical Evaluation as Soil Amendment." Sustainability 10, no. 6: 2077.
The use of biochar in organic waste composting has attracted interest in the last decade due to the environmental and agronomical benefits obtained during the process. Biochar presents favourable physicochemical properties, such as large porosity, surface area and high cation exchange capacity, enabling interaction with major nutrient cycles and favouring microbial growth in the composting pile. The enhanced environmental conditions can promote a change in the microbial communities that can affect important microbially mediated biogeochemical cycles: organic matter degradation and humification, nitrification, denitrification and methanogenesis. The main benefits of the use of biochar in composting are reviewed in this article, with special attention to those related to the process performance, compost microbiology, organic matter degradation and humification, reduction of N losses and greenhouse gas emissions and fate of heavy metals.
M.A. Sanchez-Monedero; Maria Luz Cayuela; A. Roig; K. Jindo; Claudio Mondini; N. Bolan. Role of biochar as an additive in organic waste composting. Bioresource Technology 2018, 247, 1155 -1164.
AMA StyleM.A. Sanchez-Monedero, Maria Luz Cayuela, A. Roig, K. Jindo, Claudio Mondini, N. Bolan. Role of biochar as an additive in organic waste composting. Bioresource Technology. 2018; 247 ():1155-1164.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM.A. Sanchez-Monedero; Maria Luz Cayuela; A. Roig; K. Jindo; Claudio Mondini; N. Bolan. 2018. "Role of biochar as an additive in organic waste composting." Bioresource Technology 247, no. : 1155-1164.