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The forecasted growth of insect production in the next few years will generate high quantities of frass (insect excreta). Although frass is increasingly considered a potential fertilizer, the dynamics of nutrient supply by frass is still poorly understood. Here, we aimed at gaining insight into the short-term fertilizer value of frass from mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) in order to optimize its sustainable use in agroecosystems. Using a short-term pot experiment, we showed that, even though frass has a great potential to be used as a substitute of mineral NPK fertilizer, its N fertilizer potential is mediated by its rate of application. At 10 t ha−1, due to its fast mineralization coupled with improvement in microbial activity (assessed using Biolog EcoPlate), frass was as effective as mineral fertilizer to supply N to plant. By contrast, at 5 t ha−1, the lower frass mineralization induced a reduced N uptake compared to its mineral control. Unlike N, frass was as effective as mineral fertilizer to supply P and K to plants irrespective of its application rate. This was attributed to the presence of P and K in a readily available form in frass. Taken together, our results indicate that mealworm frass supplies very rapidly N, P and K to plants but its effects on N dynamics should be better investigated to warrant its sustainable use as an alternative fertilizer for managing NPK nutrition in cropping systems.
David Houben; Guillaume Daoulas; Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent. Assessment of the Short-Term Fertilizer Potential of Mealworm Frass Using a Pot Experiment. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 2021, 5, 1 .
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Guillaume Daoulas, Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent. Assessment of the Short-Term Fertilizer Potential of Mealworm Frass Using a Pot Experiment. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 2021; 5 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Guillaume Daoulas; Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent. 2021. "Assessment of the Short-Term Fertilizer Potential of Mealworm Frass Using a Pot Experiment." Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 5, no. : 1.
Biochar addition to compost is of growing interest as soil amendment. However, little is known about the evolution of material properties of biochar-compost mixtures and their effect on plants after exposure to physical weathering. This study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical characteristics of fresh and weathered biochar-compost mixtures, their biological stability and their effect on ryegrass growth. To this end, we used the contrasting stable isotope signatures of biochar and compost to follow their behavior in biochar-compost mixtures subjected to artificial weathering during 1-year of incubation. We assessed their impact on ryegrass growth during a 4-week greenhouse pot experiment. Weathering treatment resulted in strong leaching of labile compounds. However, biochar-compost interactions led to reduced mass loss and fixed carbon retention during weathering of mixtures. Moreover, weathering increased carbon mineralization of biochar-compost mixtures, probably due to the protection of labile compounds from compost within biochar structure, as well as leaching of labile biochar compounds inhibiting microbial activity. After soil application, weathered mixtures could have positive effects on biomass production. We conclude that biochar-compost interactions on soil microbial activity and plant growth are evolving after physical weathering depending on biochar production conditions.
Marie-Liesse Aubertin; Cyril Girardin; Sabine Houot; Cécile Nobile; David Houben; Sarah Bena; Yann Brech; Cornelia Rumpel. Biochar-Compost Interactions as Affected by Weathering: Effects on Biological Stability and Plant Growth. Agronomy 2021, 11, 336 .
AMA StyleMarie-Liesse Aubertin, Cyril Girardin, Sabine Houot, Cécile Nobile, David Houben, Sarah Bena, Yann Brech, Cornelia Rumpel. Biochar-Compost Interactions as Affected by Weathering: Effects on Biological Stability and Plant Growth. Agronomy. 2021; 11 (2):336.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarie-Liesse Aubertin; Cyril Girardin; Sabine Houot; Cécile Nobile; David Houben; Sarah Bena; Yann Brech; Cornelia Rumpel. 2021. "Biochar-Compost Interactions as Affected by Weathering: Effects on Biological Stability and Plant Growth." Agronomy 11, no. 2: 336.
Technologies based on zero-valent iron (Fe0) are increasingly being used to immobilize metals in soils and remove metals and nitrate from waters. However, the impact of nitrate reduction on metal immobilization in metal contaminated soils has been poorly investigated so far. Here, different concentrations of Fe0 filings (1%, 2% and 5%; wt%) were applied to a metal contaminated soil. The resulting nitrate reduction and metal (Cd and Zn) immobilization was investigated using a column leaching experiment for 12 weeks. Corrosion of Fe0 filings and precipitation of Fe oxyhydroxydes (FeOOH) on the surfaces of the filings were observed using SEM-EDS and EMPA-WDS at the end of the experiment. Compared to the untreated soil, total nitrate amounts released were lowered by 47%, 59% and 87% in the presence of 1%, 2% and 5% of Fe0, respectively. Concomitantly with nitrate reduction, Cd and Zn concentrations in leachates were strongly alleviated in the presence of Fe0, which was partly attributed to the rise of soil pH subsequent to nitrate reduction. More importantly, biotests with Lupinus albus L. revealed that the mechanisms involved in metal immobilization are stable to root-induced acidification. However, Fe0 was not efficient to reduce Cd concentration in Lolium multiflorum Lam., indicating that root processes other than acidification may re-mobilize metals.
David Houben; Philippe Sonnet. Metal immobilization and nitrate reduction in a contaminated soil amended with zero-valent iron (Fe0). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2020, 201, 110868 .
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Philippe Sonnet. Metal immobilization and nitrate reduction in a contaminated soil amended with zero-valent iron (Fe0). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2020; 201 ():110868.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Philippe Sonnet. 2020. "Metal immobilization and nitrate reduction in a contaminated soil amended with zero-valent iron (Fe0)." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 201, no. : 110868.
With the forecasted dramatic growth of insect rearing in the near future, frass (insect excreta) has been increasingly considered a sustainable resource for managing plant nutrition in cropping systems and a promising alternative to conventional fertilizer. However, the impact of soil fauna on its fertilizing effect has not been investigated so far. In this study, we investigated the effect of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) uptake and crop growth in the presence of frass from mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). Using a pot experiment, we found that earthworms increased N, P, K and Ca concentration in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the presence of frass, suggesting that earthworm activity enhances the short-term recycling of nutrients from frass. Compared to treatments with and without frass and earthworms, the specific leaf area of barley was the highest in the presence of both earthworms and frass. This confirms that earthworms and frass have a synergistic effect on soil fertility. Overall, our study shows that earthworms may improve the efficiency of organic fertilizers and argues therefore for the importance of developing sustainable agricultural practices that promote earthworm populations.
Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent; Guillaume Daoulas; Michel-Pierre Faucon; David Houben. Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) Mediate the Fertilizing Effect of Frass. Agronomy 2020, 10, 783 .
AMA StyleAnne-Maïmiti Dulaurent, Guillaume Daoulas, Michel-Pierre Faucon, David Houben. Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) Mediate the Fertilizing Effect of Frass. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (6):783.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnne-Maïmiti Dulaurent; Guillaume Daoulas; Michel-Pierre Faucon; David Houben. 2020. "Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) Mediate the Fertilizing Effect of Frass." Agronomy 10, no. 6: 783.
Rearing insects is expected to dramatically increase during the next few years, and this will be associated with generating high quantities of frass (insect excreta). It is necessary to find solutions allowing the efficient valorization of these by-products before a major upscaling of the industry takes place. Therefore, this study aims at investigating the fertilizer potential of frass. A pot experiment was established and soil was amended either with mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) frass (10 Mg ha−1), with mineral fertilizer (NPK) at equivalent nutrient level to frass or with a mixture of 50% NPK and 50% frass. Changes of soil properties and growth and nutrient uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were then analyzed. Due to its rapid mineralization and the presence of nutrient in a readily-available form, we found that frass is as efficient as mineral NPK fertilizer to improve biomass and N, P and K uptake by barley. Compared to mineral fertilizer, water soluble P concentration is five times lower in the presence of frass, which prevents P from loss and sorption onto soil constituents. More importantly, BIOLOG EcoPlate reveals that addition of frass stimulates soil microbial activity, especially when it is mixed with mineral fertilizer, suggesting a synergistic effect between both amendments. Taken together, our results indicate that frass has a great potential to be used as a partial or a complete substitute for mineral NPK fertilizer. This is especially relevant in the context of a reduced availability of mineral fertilizers while being consistent with circular economy’s principles.
David Houben; Guillaume Daoulas; Michel-Pierre Faucon; Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent. Potential use of mealworm frass as a fertilizer: Impact on crop growth and soil properties. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1 -9.
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Guillaume Daoulas, Michel-Pierre Faucon, Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent. Potential use of mealworm frass as a fertilizer: Impact on crop growth and soil properties. Scientific Reports. 2020; 10 (1):1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Guillaume Daoulas; Michel-Pierre Faucon; Anne-Maïmiti Dulaurent. 2020. "Potential use of mealworm frass as a fertilizer: Impact on crop growth and soil properties." Scientific Reports 10, no. 1: 1-9.
Struvite is increasingly considered a promising alternative to mined phosphorus (P) fertilizer. However, its solubility is very low under neutral to alkaline pH while it increases with acidification. Here, we investigated whether supplying ammonium to stimulate rhizosphere acidification might improve struvite solubility at the vicinity of roots and, ultimately, enhance P uptake by plants. Using a RHIZOtest design, we studied changes in soil pH, P availability and P uptake by ryegrass in the rhizosphere and bulk soil supplied with either ammonium or nitrate under three P treatments: no-P, triple super phosphate and struvite. We found that supplying ammonium decreased rhizosphere pH by more than three units, which in turn increased soluble P concentrations by three times compared with nitrate treatments. However, there was no difference between P treatments, which was attributed to the increase of soluble Al concentration in the rhizosphere, which subsequently controlled P availability by precipitating it under the form of variscite-like minerals (predicted using Visual MINTEQ). Moreover, although ammonium supply increased soluble P concentration, it did not improve P uptake by plants, likely due to the absence of P deficiency. Further studies, especially in low-P soils, are thus needed to elucidate the role of nitrogen form on P uptake in the presence of struvite. More generally, our results highlight the complexity of manipulating rhizosphere processes and stress the need to consider all the components of the soil-plant system.
Andrea Danaé Gómez-Suárez; Cécile Nobile; Michel-Pierre Faucon; Olivier Pourret; David Houben. Fertilizer Potential of Struvite as Affected by Nitrogen Form in the Rhizosphere. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2212 .
AMA StyleAndrea Danaé Gómez-Suárez, Cécile Nobile, Michel-Pierre Faucon, Olivier Pourret, David Houben. Fertilizer Potential of Struvite as Affected by Nitrogen Form in the Rhizosphere. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (6):2212.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Danaé Gómez-Suárez; Cécile Nobile; Michel-Pierre Faucon; Olivier Pourret; David Houben. 2020. "Fertilizer Potential of Struvite as Affected by Nitrogen Form in the Rhizosphere." Sustainability 12, no. 6: 2212.
The use of biochar as an additive for growing media for the production of potted plants requires a sound knowledge of how its properties impact plant biomass production. This study aims at linking physical and chemical properties of biochar with horticultural crop biomass. For this purpose, we incorporated six different biochars into growing medium and grew basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa) and pansy (Viola wittrockiana Gams.) for one month in greenhouse conditions. We found that physical and chemical properties of biochars had a significant impact on plant growth. Biochars with low density and high porosity promoted the biomass of basil and lettuce. While nutrient concentration in biochars had no impact on plant growth, lettuce and pansy biomasses decreased with increasing biochar pH and basil biomass decreased with increasing biochar electrical conductivity. By identifying which biochar properties influence plant biomass, our study allows selection of the biochars which are the best suited for incorporation into growing media.
Cécile Nobile; Julia Denier; David Houben. Linking biochar properties to biomass of basil, lettuce and pansy cultivated in growing media. Scientia Horticulturae 2019, 261, 109001 .
AMA StyleCécile Nobile, Julia Denier, David Houben. Linking biochar properties to biomass of basil, lettuce and pansy cultivated in growing media. Scientia Horticulturae. 2019; 261 ():109001.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCécile Nobile; Julia Denier; David Houben. 2019. "Linking biochar properties to biomass of basil, lettuce and pansy cultivated in growing media." Scientia Horticulturae 261, no. : 109001.
Sewage sludge is a phosphorus (P) source alternative to P fertiliser derived from rock phosphate, but its impact on soil processes driving P cycling in agroecosystems requires further study. In order to optimise the use of sludge for sustainable P fertilisation, we need to elucidate the drivers of P dynamics. The present study aims at determining how different sludges (heated sludge, HS and composted sludge, CS) affect soil P pools and dynamics. A field experiment was established and soil was amended either with sludge or with inorganic P (triple superphosphate, TSP). Soil samples were collected five times during a vegetation period, and analysed for Hedley P fractions, microbial P and phosphatase activity. Phosphorus dynamics in soil was strongly influenced by P concentrations in sludge. About one year after application, sludge with the highest P concentration (HS) was as effective as TSP to improve soil P availability. The P source of TSP was immediately available for plant uptake, but the high phosphatase activity of the HS treatment evidenced that soil microorganisms released phosphatases which can hydrolyse HS-derived organic P compounds. In addition, the high content of microbial P in the HS treatment suggests that soil microorganisms assimilate P into their own biomass. By contrast, sludge with the lowest P concentration (CS) enriched primarily the weakly-soluble soil P fractions, resulting in lower P availability compared with that in the TSP treatment. Our findings suggest that both high P concentration and slow, but continuous microbial breakdown of organic P substrates derived from HS allow using this resource as an important source for plant mineral nutrition. This study stresses the need to both characterise P concentrations and P forms in sludge, prior to their application in the field.
David Houben; Etienne Michel; Cécile Nobile; Hans Lambers; Ellen Kandeler; Michel-Pierre Faucon. Response of phosphorus dynamics to sewage sludge application in an agroecosystem in northern France. Applied Soil Ecology 2019, 137, 178 -186.
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Etienne Michel, Cécile Nobile, Hans Lambers, Ellen Kandeler, Michel-Pierre Faucon. Response of phosphorus dynamics to sewage sludge application in an agroecosystem in northern France. Applied Soil Ecology. 2019; 137 ():178-186.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Etienne Michel; Cécile Nobile; Hans Lambers; Ellen Kandeler; Michel-Pierre Faucon. 2019. "Response of phosphorus dynamics to sewage sludge application in an agroecosystem in northern France." Applied Soil Ecology 137, no. : 178-186.
Organic matter (OM) decomposition is a fundamental ecosystem service in conservation agriculture, but the response of this process to the conversion from conventional tillage (CT) to no-tillage (NT) systems is not fully understood, especially during the transition period. Here, using a litterbag experiment (tea bag technique), we studied OM decomposition in a chronosequence of NT fields of different ages since conversion from CT (1 to 7 years) around Beauvais (northern France). We found that, in contrast with physico-chemical soil properties, the decomposition of both high quality (green tea) and low quality (rooibos tea) organic matter was significantly correlated with the NT age. Irrespective of the OM quality, the OM mass losses linearly increased with the time span since conversion from CT to NT. Taken together, our results suggest that adopting NT practices provides more favorable habitats for microorganisms involved in OM decomposition.
David Houben; Michel-Pierre Faucon; Anne-Maïmiti Mercadal. Response of Organic Matter Decomposition to No-Tillage Adoption Evaluated by the Tea Bag Technique. Soil Systems 2018, 2, 42 .
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Michel-Pierre Faucon, Anne-Maïmiti Mercadal. Response of Organic Matter Decomposition to No-Tillage Adoption Evaluated by the Tea Bag Technique. Soil Systems. 2018; 2 (3):42.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Michel-Pierre Faucon; Anne-Maïmiti Mercadal. 2018. "Response of Organic Matter Decomposition to No-Tillage Adoption Evaluated by the Tea Bag Technique." Soil Systems 2, no. 3: 42.
Olivier Pourret; David Houben. How To Gain Insight Into Biochar Sorbing Behavior Using Rare Earth Elements. Science Trends 2018, 1 .
AMA StyleOlivier Pourret, David Houben. How To Gain Insight Into Biochar Sorbing Behavior Using Rare Earth Elements. Science Trends. 2018; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOlivier Pourret; David Houben. 2018. "How To Gain Insight Into Biochar Sorbing Behavior Using Rare Earth Elements." Science Trends , no. : 1.
Non‐essential silicon (Si) is beneficial to plants. It increases the biomass of Si‐accumulator plants by improving photosynthetic activity and alleviating stresses. Desilication, however, takes place because of natural soil weathering and removal of harvested biomass. Pyrolysis transforms Si‐rich biomass into biochar that can be used to supply bioavailable Si. Here, we applied two biochar materials differing in Si content on soils differing in weathering stage: a young Cambisol and a highly weathered Nitisol. We studied the impact of biochar supply on the bioavailability of Si, cotton biomass, and Si mineralomass. The biochar materials derived from, respectively: Miscanthus × giganteus (Mi; 34.6 g Si kg−1 in biochar) and soft woody material (SW; 0.9 g Si kg−1 in biochar). They were compared to conventional Si fertilizer wollastonite (Wo; CaSiO3). Amendments were incorporated in soils at the rate of 3% (w/w). The content of bioavailable Si in soil was determined through 0.01 M CaCl2 extraction. In the Cambisol, the proportion (CaCl2 extractable Si: total Si content) was significantly smaller for Mi (0.9%) than for Wo (5.2%). In the Nitisol, this proportion was much larger for Mi (1.4%) than for Wo (0.7%). Mi‐biochar significantly increased Si‐mineralomass relatively to SW‐biochar in both soils. This increase was, however, much larger in the Nitisol (5.9‐fold) than in the Cambisol (2.2‐fold). Mi biochar is thus an alternative Si fertilizer to Wo to supply bioavailable Si, increase plant biomass, and promote the biological cycle of Si in the soil‐plant system in the Nitisol. Besides, it increased soil fertility and soil organic carbon content.
Zimin Li; Bruno Delvaux; Johan Yans; Nicolas Dufour; David Houben; Jean-Thomas Cornelis. Phytolith-rich biochar increases cotton biomass and silicon-mineralomass in a highly weathered soil. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 2018, 181, 537 -546.
AMA StyleZimin Li, Bruno Delvaux, Johan Yans, Nicolas Dufour, David Houben, Jean-Thomas Cornelis. Phytolith-rich biochar increases cotton biomass and silicon-mineralomass in a highly weathered soil. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 2018; 181 (4):537-546.
Chicago/Turabian StyleZimin Li; Bruno Delvaux; Johan Yans; Nicolas Dufour; David Houben; Jean-Thomas Cornelis. 2018. "Phytolith-rich biochar increases cotton biomass and silicon-mineralomass in a highly weathered soil." Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 181, no. 4: 537-546.
Zinc is an essential micronutrient that is ultimately released during mineral weathering. In soils, organic matter plays a key role in influencing Zn partitioning and therefore on Zn biogeochemical cycling. Soil organic matter is partitioned between carbon that is more readily available for decomposition by microorganisms, and more stable carbon transiently preserved from decomposition. The role of the stable pool of soil organic matter on Zn biogeochemical cycling remains poorly understood. The pool of stable carbon is controlled by combination with mineral constituents or is material that is intrinsically resistant to decomposition. The Zn stable isotopes are fractionated by interactions between Zn and soil mineral and organic constituents. This study reports the Zn isotope composition of five Icelandic soil profiles derived from the same parent basalt and characterized by contrasting degrees of weathering and organic matter content (δ66Zn = + 0.10 ± 0.05 to + 0.35 ± 0.02‰), the distribution of reactive mineral constituents available to form associations with soil organic matter, and the amount of stable organic carbon. Throughout these soils, the δ66Zn isotope variations are little influenced by mineral constituents, but rather by soil organic matter content. These data suggest that a combination of organic matter accumulation and Zn loss by leaching is required to explain the observed decrease in Zn concentration in soils and lighter soil δ66Zn with increasing organic carbon content. These results suggest that the presence of stable organic carbon in soils provides a pool of light Zn, attributed to the Zn isotope signature of organic matter partially preserved from decomposition. Crucially, this stable organic carbon pool may also contribute to the formation of the light Zn isotope sink reported in organic-rich marine sediments, a key output required to explain the oceanic mass balance of Zn isotopes.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe
S. Opfergelt; J.T. Cornélis; David Houben; C. Givron; K.W. Burton; N. Mattielli. The influence of weathering and soil organic matter on Zn isotopes in soils. Chemical Geology 2017, 466, 140 -148.
AMA StyleS. Opfergelt, J.T. Cornélis, David Houben, C. Givron, K.W. Burton, N. Mattielli. The influence of weathering and soil organic matter on Zn isotopes in soils. Chemical Geology. 2017; 466 ():140-148.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Opfergelt; J.T. Cornélis; David Houben; C. Givron; K.W. Burton; N. Mattielli. 2017. "The influence of weathering and soil organic matter on Zn isotopes in soils." Chemical Geology 466, no. : 140-148.
Decline of ecosystem services has triggered numerous studies aiming at developing more sustainable agricultural management practices. Some agricultural practices may improve soil properties by expanding plant biodiversity. However, sustainable management of agroecosystems should be performed from a functional plant trait perspective. Advances in functional ecology, especially plant functional trait effects on ecosystem processes and services, provide pivotal knowledge for ecological intensification of agriculture; this approach acknowledges that a crop field is an agroecosystem whose ecological processes influence soil properties. We highlight the links between plant functional traits and soil properties in relation to four major ecosystem processes involved in vital ecosystem services: food production, crop protection, climate change mitigation, and soil and water conservation, aiming towards ecological intensification of sustainable agricultural and soil management.
Michel-Pierre Faucon; David Houben; Hans Lambers. Plant Functional Traits: Soil and Ecosystem Services. Trends in Plant Science 2017, 22, 385 -394.
AMA StyleMichel-Pierre Faucon, David Houben, Hans Lambers. Plant Functional Traits: Soil and Ecosystem Services. Trends in Plant Science. 2017; 22 (5):385-394.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichel-Pierre Faucon; David Houben; Hans Lambers. 2017. "Plant Functional Traits: Soil and Ecosystem Services." Trends in Plant Science 22, no. 5: 385-394.
In Wallonia, Belgium, intensive in situ charcoal production that was linked closely to pre-industrial smelting and steel-making affected a large part of the forested area in the late eighteenth century. Charcoal kiln relics can be detected under forest as domes of about 10 m in diameter, with the topsoil greatly enriched with charcoal residues. We sampled 19 charcoal kiln sites and the adjacent reference soil by soil horizon on four different soil types (Arenosols, Luvisols, Cambisols and Podzols). Data were analysed with linear mixed models to assess the effect of the charcoal kiln site on soil properties in relation to depth and soil conditions. We also addressed the evolution of soil properties over time by a comparison of the soil characteristics at a currently active kiln site. The charcoal-rich topsoil has a larger C:N ratio and cation exchange capacity (CEC) per unit of organic carbon than the reference soil. The largest CECs per unit of carbon were observed on soil with coarser textures. On acidic soil, the increase in base saturation in the subsoil reflects the past liming effect of ash produced by wood charring, whereas the topsoil is re-acidified. The acidity of carbonate-rich Cambisols, however, is not reduced. Regardless of soil type, the kiln topsoil is greatly depleted in exchangeable K+ and available P, which may be attributed to the small affinity of the exchange complex of charcoal for K+ and a decrease in P availability with time. Therefore, we recommend further research on the long-term effects of biochar on the dynamics of plant nutrients.
B. Hardy; Jean-Thomas Cornelis; D. Houben; R. Lambert; J. E. Dufey. The effect of pre-industrial charcoal kilns on chemical properties of forest soil of Wallonia, Belgium. European Journal of Soil Science 2016, 67, 206 -216.
AMA StyleB. Hardy, Jean-Thomas Cornelis, D. Houben, R. Lambert, J. E. Dufey. The effect of pre-industrial charcoal kilns on chemical properties of forest soil of Wallonia, Belgium. European Journal of Soil Science. 2016; 67 (2):206-216.
Chicago/Turabian StyleB. Hardy; Jean-Thomas Cornelis; D. Houben; R. Lambert; J. E. Dufey. 2016. "The effect of pre-industrial charcoal kilns on chemical properties of forest soil of Wallonia, Belgium." European Journal of Soil Science 67, no. 2: 206-216.
Eléonore Couder; Nadine Mattielli; Thomas Drouet; Erik Smolders; Bruno Delvaux; Anne Iserentant; Coralie Meeus; Claude Maerschalk; Sophie Opfergelt; David Houben. Transpiration flow controls Zn transport in Brassica napus and Lolium multiflorum under toxic levels as evidenced from isotopic fractionation. Comptes Rendus Geoscience 2015, 347, 386 -396.
AMA StyleEléonore Couder, Nadine Mattielli, Thomas Drouet, Erik Smolders, Bruno Delvaux, Anne Iserentant, Coralie Meeus, Claude Maerschalk, Sophie Opfergelt, David Houben. Transpiration flow controls Zn transport in Brassica napus and Lolium multiflorum under toxic levels as evidenced from isotopic fractionation. Comptes Rendus Geoscience. 2015; 347 (7-8):386-396.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEléonore Couder; Nadine Mattielli; Thomas Drouet; Erik Smolders; Bruno Delvaux; Anne Iserentant; Coralie Meeus; Claude Maerschalk; Sophie Opfergelt; David Houben. 2015. "Transpiration flow controls Zn transport in Brassica napus and Lolium multiflorum under toxic levels as evidenced from isotopic fractionation." Comptes Rendus Geoscience 347, no. 7-8: 386-396.
Rhizosphere interactions are deemed to play a key role in the success of phytoremediation technologies. Here, the effects of biochar and root-induced changes in the rhizosphere of Agrostis capillaris L. and Lupinus albus L. on metal (Cd, Pb and Zn) dynamics were investigated using a biotest on a 2mm soil layer and a sequential extraction procedure (Tessier's scheme). In the bulk soil, the application of 5% biochar significantly reduced the exchangeable pool of metals primarily due to a liming effect which subsequently promoted the metal shift into the carbonate-bound pool. However, metals were re-mobilized in the rhizosphere of both A. capillaris and L. albus due to root-induced acidification which counteracted the liming effect of biochar. As a result, the concentrations of metals in roots and shoots of both plants were not significantly reduced by the application of biochar. Although the study should be considered a worst-case scenario because experimental conditions induced the intensification of rhizosphere processes, the results highlight that changes in rhizosphere pH can impact the effectiveness of biochar to immobilize metals in soil. Biochar has thus a potential as amendment for reducing metal uptake by plants, provided the acidification of the rhizosphere is minimized.
David Houben; Philippe Sonnet. Impact of biochar and root-induced changes on metal dynamics in the rhizosphere of Agrostis capillaris and Lupinus albus. Chemosphere 2015, 139, 644 -651.
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Philippe Sonnet. Impact of biochar and root-induced changes on metal dynamics in the rhizosphere of Agrostis capillaris and Lupinus albus. Chemosphere. 2015; 139 ():644-651.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Philippe Sonnet. 2015. "Impact of biochar and root-induced changes on metal dynamics in the rhizosphere of Agrostis capillaris and Lupinus albus." Chemosphere 139, no. : 644-651.
Olivier Pourret; Bastien Lange; David Houben; Gilles Colinet; Mylor Shutcha; Michel-Pierre Faucon. Modeling of cobalt and copper speciation in metalliferous soils from Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo). Journal of Geochemical Exploration 2015, 149, 87 -96.
AMA StyleOlivier Pourret, Bastien Lange, David Houben, Gilles Colinet, Mylor Shutcha, Michel-Pierre Faucon. Modeling of cobalt and copper speciation in metalliferous soils from Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo). Journal of Geochemical Exploration. 2015; 149 ():87-96.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOlivier Pourret; Bastien Lange; David Houben; Gilles Colinet; Mylor Shutcha; Michel-Pierre Faucon. 2015. "Modeling of cobalt and copper speciation in metalliferous soils from Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo)." Journal of Geochemical Exploration 149, no. : 87-96.
Michel-Pierre Faucon; David Houben; Jean-Paul Reynoird; Anne-Maïmiti Mercadal-Dulaurent; Romain Armand; Hans Lambers. Advances and Perspectives to Improve the Phosphorus Availability in Cropping Systems for Agroecological Phosphorus Management. Advances in Agronomy 2015, 51 -79.
AMA StyleMichel-Pierre Faucon, David Houben, Jean-Paul Reynoird, Anne-Maïmiti Mercadal-Dulaurent, Romain Armand, Hans Lambers. Advances and Perspectives to Improve the Phosphorus Availability in Cropping Systems for Agroecological Phosphorus Management. Advances in Agronomy. 2015; ():51-79.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichel-Pierre Faucon; David Houben; Jean-Paul Reynoird; Anne-Maïmiti Mercadal-Dulaurent; Romain Armand; Hans Lambers. 2015. "Advances and Perspectives to Improve the Phosphorus Availability in Cropping Systems for Agroecological Phosphorus Management." Advances in Agronomy , no. : 51-79.
Stable Zn isotopes are increasingly used to trace the source of metal pollution in the environment and to gain a better understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of Zn. In this work, we investigated the effect of plants on Zn isotope fractionation in the soil-plant system of the surface horizon of two Zn-rich Technosols (pH 6.73-7.51, total Zn concentration = 9470-56600 mg kg-1). In a column experiment, the presence of Agrostis capillaris L. significantly increased the mobilization of Zn from soil to leachate, predominantly as a result of root-induced soil acidification. The zinc isotope compositions of plants and leachates indicated that the Zn uptake by A. capillaris did not fractionate Zn isotopes as compared to the leachates. Within the plant, heavier Zn isotopes were preferentially retained in roots (δ66Znroot - shoot = +0.24 to +0.40 %). More importantly, the Zn released in leachates due to root-induced mobilization was isotopically heavier than the Zn released in the absence of plants (δ66Zn = +0.16 to +0.18 %). This indicates that the rhizosphere activity of A. capillaris mobilized Zn from another pool than the one that spontaneously releases Zn upon contact with the percolating solution. Mobilization of Zn by the roots might thus exert a stronger influence on the Zn isotope composition in the soil solution than the Zn uptake by the plant. This study highlights the key role of the rhizosphere activity in Zn release in soil and demonstrates that stable Zn isotopes provide a useful proxy for the detection of Zn mobilization in soil-plant systems. © 2014 American Chemical Society.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe
David Houben; Philippe P. Sonnet; Guillaume G. Tricot; Nadine Mattielli; Eléonore Couder; Sophie Opfergelt. Impact of Root-Induced Mobilization of Zinc on Stable Zn Isotope Variation in the Soil–Plant System. Environmental Science & Technology 2014, 48, 7866 -7873.
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Philippe P. Sonnet, Guillaume G. Tricot, Nadine Mattielli, Eléonore Couder, Sophie Opfergelt. Impact of Root-Induced Mobilization of Zinc on Stable Zn Isotope Variation in the Soil–Plant System. Environmental Science & Technology. 2014; 48 (14):7866-7873.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Philippe P. Sonnet; Guillaume G. Tricot; Nadine Mattielli; Eléonore Couder; Sophie Opfergelt. 2014. "Impact of Root-Induced Mobilization of Zinc on Stable Zn Isotope Variation in the Soil–Plant System." Environmental Science & Technology 48, no. 14: 7866-7873.
Silicon (Si) is largely recognized to improve plant growth subjected to various biotic and abiotic stresses. As plants accumulate Si in the form of readily-soluble phytolith, we examine the possibility of using phytolith-rich biochar as a bio-available Si source for increasing the agronomical productivity of Si high-accumulator plants while augmenting soil fertility and C sequestration. By adding three different biochars (Miscanthus x giganteus straws, coffee husks and woody material) at two different concentrations (1 % and 3 %; w/w) to soil samples, we investigated the effects on the soil respiration, the chemical characteristics and the kinetic release of bio-available Si (CaCl2-extractable Si). Here we show that the biochar from Miscanthus straws was the most attractive amendment. Its incorporation at a 3 % rate improved the soil fertility parameters (pH and available cations) and combined the highest mean residence time of carbon (C) in soil (MRT = 50 years) with the highest rate of release of bio-available Si. We attribute this result to the presence of phytoliths in this biochar, as revealed by SEM-EDS analysis. Not only did the biochar from Miscanthus enhance both soil C sequestration and fertility, but the results of this study suggest that it can also be considered as a potential source of bio-available Si. Although our conclusions should be substantiated in the field, we suggest that Miscanthus biochar could be used as a potential source of bio-available silicon for the culture of such crop as Si-accumulator plants growing, for instance, in highly weathered tropical soils with low content in carbon, nutrients and bio-available Si.
David Houben; Philippe Sonnet; Jean-Thomas Cornelis. Biochar from Miscanthus: a potential silicon fertilizer. Plant and Soil 2013, 374, 871 -882.
AMA StyleDavid Houben, Philippe Sonnet, Jean-Thomas Cornelis. Biochar from Miscanthus: a potential silicon fertilizer. Plant and Soil. 2013; 374 (1-2):871-882.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Houben; Philippe Sonnet; Jean-Thomas Cornelis. 2013. "Biochar from Miscanthus: a potential silicon fertilizer." Plant and Soil 374, no. 1-2: 871-882.