Effects of Biochar on Soil Organic Carbon in Relation to Soil Nutrient Contents, Climate Zones and Cropping Systems: A Chinese Meta-Analysis

Longjia Tian, Guangcheng Shao (), Yang Gao, Enze Song and Jia Lu
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Longjia Tian: College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Guangcheng Shao: College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Yang Gao: College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Enze Song: College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
Jia Lu: College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: Biochar application is an effective way to improve soil organic carbon (SOC) content and ensure food security. However, there were differences in SOC content following biochar application under different conditions. We collected 637 paired comparisons from 101 articles to determine the following: (1) the average effect of biochar application on SOC content and (2) the response of SOC content to different soil nutrient contents, climate zones and cropping systems following biochar application. The results showed that the soil available phosphorus (P) content and soil available potassium (K) content reached the highest level in the category of <10 mg kg −1 and >150 mg kg −1 , respectively. Soil total P content subgroups achieved maximum increase in the intermediate category. The Cw zone (temperate, without dry season) obtained the maximum level of SOC content. Compared with plough tillage, rotary tillage presented significantly higher SOC content. Therefore, low available P and K contents, moderate soil total N and P contents, rotary tillage and the Cw zone were more effective in increasing SOC content. Furthermore, the results of a random forest algorithm showed that soil nutrient contents were the most important variables. This study provided a scientific basis for SOC sequestration and improving soil fertility.

Keywords: soil organic carbon; soil nutrient content; climate zone; cropping system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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