The effect of biochar particle size on physical, hydraulic properties and soil water characteristics curve of sandy loam soil

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student, Dept. of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

2 Corresponding Author, Professor, Dept. of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

3 Ph.D. Student, Dept. of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.

Abstract

Abstract
Background and objectives: Investigating the application of biochar on the physical and hydraulic properties of soil is important due to its effect on water conservation and management. According to our knowledge, no complete studies have been done on the effect of sunflower stem biochar particle size on the physical, hydraulic and soil moisture characteristics of the soil. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of sunflower stem biochar particle size on some physical and hydraulic properties of sandy loam soil in laboratory conditions.
Materials and methods: In order to investigate the physical and hydraulic properties of the soil, a combination of 3% by weight of three sizes of 0.5, 0.5-1 and 1-2 mm sunflower stem biochar particles was used with a sandy loam soil. For this purpose, the parameters of bulk density, porosity, saturated moisture, field capacity moisture, available water, moisture at permanent wilting point, discharge, flow velocity, hydraulic conductivity, pore water velocity and soil water characteristics curves were measured.
Results: The results showed that the size of biochar particles has a significant effect on physical and hydraulic properties at the 1% probability level and also on soil water retention at the 5% probability level. The application of 0.5-1 mm size of biochar had the greatest effect on soil properties, so that it caused a decrease of 14.74% in bulk density, an increase of 21.17, 22.5, 34.78 and 44.44% in porosity, saturated moisture, field capacity and available water compared to control soil. Application of 0-0.5 mm particles of biochar caused a 24.39% increase in permanent wilting moisture and a 92.93% decrease in discharge, flow velocity, hydraulic conductivity, and also a 94.04% decrease in pore water velocity compared to the control soil. Investigating the soil water characteristics curves showed that all three sizes of biochar particles increased water retention in the soil. Biochar caused an increase in volumetric moisture content at all measurement points, especially at suction from 0 to 2000 cm. In this range of suction, biochar increased medium and fine pores and thus increased soil water retention in this suction. The addition of biochar to the soil also increased the field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water.
Conclusion: Arid and semi-arid areas with limited access to sustainable water resources generally have light textured soils with low water holding capacity. Therefore, these soils are the priority for structure improvement and as a result improving physical and hydraulic properties. According to the obtained results, the application of biochar improves the physical and hydraulic characteristics of these soils. Therefore, the findings of this research can be very useful in water management.
Key words: Sunflower stem biochar, particle size, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

1.Abbasalian, H., Soitani, J., Hashemi, S, E,. Borzouei, A., & Ahmadvand, M. (2021). A study on the effect of biochar and wheat straw application on nitrogen fertilizer utilization in barley using 15N isotope technology. Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 43 (1), 47-56.2.Haider, G., Steffens, D., Moser, G., Müller, C., & Kammann, C. I. (2017). Biochar reduced nitrate leaching and improved soil moisture content without yield improvements in a four-year field study. Agriculture, ecosystems & environment, 237, 80-94.3.Tan, R. R. (2019). Data challenges in optimizing biochar-based carbon sequestration. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 104, 174-177.4.Laird, D. A., Fleming, P., Davis, D. D., Horton, R., Wang, B., & Karlen, D. L. (2010). Impact of biochar amendments on the quality of a typical Midwestern agricultural soil. Geoderma, 158 (3-4), 443-449.5.Sun, Z., Moldrup, P., Elsgaard, L., Arthur, E., Bruun, E. W., Hauggaard-Nielsen, H., & de Jonge, L. W. (2013). Direct and indirect short-term effects of biochar on physical characteristics of an arable sandy loam. Soil Science, 178 (9): 465-473.6.Ibrahim, H. M., Al-Wabel, M. I., Usman, A. R., & Al-Omran, A. (2013). Effect of Conocarpus biochar application on the hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil. Soil Science, 178 (4), 165-173.7.Obia, A., Mulder, J., Martinsen, V., Cornelissen, G., & Børresen, T. (2016). In situ effects of biochar on aggregation, water retention and porosity in light-textured tropical soils. Soil and Tillage Research. 155, 35-44.8.Barnes, R. T., Gallagher, M. E., Masiello, C. A., Liu, Z., & Dugan, B. (2014). Biochar-induced changes in soil hydraulic conductivity and dissolved nutrient fluxes constrained by laboratory experiments. Plos one, 9 (9), e108340.9.Githinji, L. (2014). Effect of biochar application rate on soil physical and hydraulic properties of a sandy loam. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 60 (4), 457-470.10.Ajayi, A. E., & Horn, R. (2016). Modification of chemical and hydrophysical properties of two texturally differentiated soils due to varying magnitudes of added biochar. Soil and Tillage Research, 164, 34-44.11.Liu, J., Schulz, H., Brandl, S., Miehtke, H., Huwe, B., & Glaser, B. (2012). Short‐term effect of biochar and compost on soil fertility and water status of a Dystric Cambisol in NE Germany under field conditions. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. 175 (5): 698-707.12.Liu, Z., Dugan, B., Masiello, C. A., & Gonnermann, H. M. (2017). Biochar particle size, shape, and porosity act together to influence soil water properties. Plos one. 12 (6), e0179079.13.Ma, N., Zhang, L., Zhang, Y., Yang, L., Yu, C., Tin, G., Diane, T. A., & Ma, X. (2016). Biochar Improves Soil Aggregate Stability and Water Availability in a Mollisol after Three Years of Field Application. Plos one. 11 (5), 1-10.14.Liu, X., Mao, P., Li, L., & Ma, J. (2019). Impact of biochar application on yield-scaled greenhouse gas intensity: Ameta-analysis. Science of the Total Environment. 656, 969-976.15.Piri, H., Barahooi, F., & Naserin, A. (2023). Effect of the amount and particles size of Conocarpus Biochar on physical and hydraulic properties and evaporation from loam sandy soil surface. Journal of Water and Soil Conservation. 30 (20), 97-117.16.Ouyang, L., Wang, F., Tang, J., Yu, L., & Zhang, R. (2013). Effects of biochar amendment on soil aggregates and hydraulic properties. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 13, 991-1002.17.Kang, M. W., Yibeltal, M., Kim, Y. H., Oh, S. J., Lee, J. C., Kwon, E. E., & Lee, S. S. (2022). Enhancement of soil physical properties and soil water retention with biochar-based soil amendments. Science of the total environment, 836, 155746.‏18.GaoLu, S., Fang, S. F., & Tong, Z. Y. (2014). Effect of rice husk biochar and charcoal fly ash on some physical properties of expansive clayey soil (Vertisol). Catena. 114, 37-44.19.Andrenelli, M. C., Maienzab, A., Genesiob, L., Migliettab, F., Pellegrini, S., Vaccari, F. P., & Vignozzi, N. (2016). Field application of pelletized biochar: Short-term effect on the hydrological properties of a silty clay loam soil. Journal of Agricultural Water Management. 163, 190-196.20.Basso, A. S., Miguez, F. E., Laird, D. A., Horton, R., & Westgate, M. (2013). Assessing potential of biochar for increasing water potential of biochar for increasing water Change Biology Bioenergy. Gcb Bioenergy. 5, 132-143.21.Xie, T., Reddy, K. R., Wang, C., Yargicoglu, E., & Spokas, K. (2015). Characteristics and applications of biochar for environmental remediation: a review. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 45 (9), 939-969.22.Abel, S., Peters, A., Trinks, S., Schonsky, H., Facklam, M., & Wessolek, G. (2013). Impact of biochar and hydrochar addition on water retention and water repellency of sandy soil. Geoderma, 202, 183-191.23.Ali Doust, A., Afioni, M.., Haj Abbasi, M., & Mossadeghi, M. (2019). Application of multivariate statistical methods in evaluating soil quality indicators in the semi-arid region
of Lordegan. Applied Soil Research, 7 (3): 192-206.24.Cresswell, H. P., Green, T. W., & McKenzie, N. J. (2008). The adequacy of pressure plate apparatus for determining soil water retention. Soil science society of America Journal, 72 (1), 41-49.25.Jack, F. C. (1373). Sunflower science and technology, translated by Yousef Arshi, publications of the General Directorate of Cotton and Oilseeds, Tehran, first edition, 735p.26.Osooli, H., Karimi, A., & Shirani, H. (2022). Biochar amount and Particle Sizes Effects on Plant Available Water, Stomatal Resistance, Root Dry Weight and Water Use Efficiency of Wheat. Applied soil research, 10 (2), 66-78.27.Bouyoucos, G. J. (1962). Hydrometer method improved for making particle size analyses of soils 1. Agronomy journal, 54 (5), 464-465.‏28.Walkley, A., & Black, I. A. (1934). An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter, and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil science, 37 (1), 29-38.‏29.Haluschak, P. (2006). Laboratory methods of soil analysis. Canada-Manitoba soil survey, 3, 133.‏30.Klute, A., & Dirksen, C. (1986). Hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity: Laboratory methods. Methods of soil analysis: Part 1 physical and mineralogical methods, 5, 687-734.‏31.Razzaghi, F., & Rezaie, N. (2017). Effects of different levels of biochar on soil physical properties with different textures. Journal of Water and soil Resources Conservation, 7 (1), 75-87.32.Zare Abyaneh, H., Khodabandehlo, Z., Bayat, H., & Jovzi, M. (2022). The effect of a superabsorbent and biochar on some physical and hydraulic properties of two arable sandy loam and clay loam soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 22 (2), 2557-2569.33.Lehmann, J., & Joseph, S. (2009). Biochar for environmental management- an introduction. In: Lehmann J. and Joseph S. (Eds). Biochar for environmental management: Science and Technology. Earthscan, London,
pp. 1-11.34.Sadeghi, S. H. R., Hazbavi, Z., & Kiani Harchegani, M. (2016). Controllability of runoff and soil loss from small plots treated by vinasse-produced biochar. Science of the Total Environment. 541, 483-490.35.Tanure, M. M. C., da Costa, L. M., Huiz, H. A., Fernandes, R. B. A., Cecon, P. R., Junior, J. D. P., & da Luz, J. M. R. (2019). Soil water retention, physiological characteristics, and growth of maize plants in response to biochar application to soil. Soil and Tillage Research, 192, 164-173.36.Hseu, Z., Hao Jien, Sh., Chien, W. H., & Liou, R. C. (2014). Impacts of biochar on physical properties and erosion potential of a mudstone slope land soil. The Scientific World Journal ID 602197, 10 p.37.Jien, S. H., & Wang, C. S. (2013). Effects of biochar on soil properties and erosion potential in a highly weathered soil. Catena, 110, 225-233.38.Tejada, M., & Gonzalez, J. (2007). Influence of organic amendments on soil structure and soil loss under simulated rain. Soil and Tillage Research, 93 (1), 197-205.39.Nowroozi, M., Tabatabaei, S. H., Nouri, M. R., & Motaghian, H. (2016). Short-term effects of biochar produced from date palm’s leaves on moisture retention in sandy loam soil. Journal of Water and soil Resources Conservation, 6 (2), 137-150.40.Dehgani, M., Shahnazari, A., Ahmadi, MZ., Ardakani, M., & Ghadami Firouzabadi, A. (2018). Effect of Different Rates of Biochar on Soil Moisture Characteristics under partial root zone drying of maize. Iranian journal of Irrigation and Drainage, 12 (5), 1217-1228.41.Behnam, H., Farkhian Firouzi, A., & Moezzi, A. (2016). Effect of biochar and compost sugarcane bagasse on some soil mechanical properties. Journal of Water and Soil Conservation, 23 (4), 235-250.42.Khadem, A., Raiesi, F., & Besharati, H. (2017). A Review of Biochar Effects on Soil Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties. Journal of land Management, 5 (1), 13-30.43.Ebrahimi, E., Bayat, H., Sadeghi, S., Fallah, M., Jorreh, M., & Zanganeh, M. (2016). Using compression curve characteristics to estimate water content by the van Genuchten model. Journal of water and soil research in Iran, 47 (2), 217-228.44.Yekzaban, A., Moosavi, S. A. A., Sameni, A., & Rezaei, M. (2022). Effect of Particle Size, Amounts, and sources of Biochar on Saturated Hydraulic Canductivity in two Texturally Different Soiles. Iranian Journal of Soil Research, 36 (3), 321-334.45.Blanco-Canqui, H. (2017). Biochar and soil physical properties. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 81 (4), 687-711.46.Zhang, J., Qun, C. H. E. N., & Changfu, Y. O. U. (2016). Biochar effect on water evaporation and hydraulic conductivity in sandy soil. Pedosphere. 26 (2): 265-272.47.Uzoma, K., Inoue, M., Andry, H., Fujimaki, H., Zahoor, A., & Nishihara, E. (2011). Effect of cow manure biochar on maize productivity under sandy soil condition. Soil Use Management. 27, 205-212.48.Ibrahim, A., Usman, A. R. A., Al-Wabel, M. I., Nadeem, M., Ok, Y. S., & Al-Omran, A. (2017). Effects of conocarpus biochar on hydraulic properties of calcareous sandy soil: influence of particle size and application depth. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 63 (2), 185-197.
Journal of Water and Soil Conservation
Volume 31, Issue 2
July 2024
Pages 57-77

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics