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


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