Insights into Opposite and Positive Effects of Biochar and Organic Fertilizer on Red Soil Properties and Growth of Pennisetum giganteum

Bangxi Zhang, Xue Li, Tianhong Fu, Hongzhao Li, Wendi Li, Qinyu Zhang, Jie Wang, Bo Chen, Rende Yang, Baige Zhang, Xiaomin Wang, Xuehan He, Hao Chen, Yujin Zhang and Yutao Peng ()
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Bangxi Zhang: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Xue Li: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Tianhong Fu: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Hongzhao Li: Faculty of Food Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 258000, China
Wendi Li: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Qinyu Zhang: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Jie Wang: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Bo Chen: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Rende Yang: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Baige Zhang: Key Laboratory for New Technology Research of Vegetable, Vegetable Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Xiaomin Wang: Soil and Fertilizer Research Institute, Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang 550006, China
Xuehan He: School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
Hao Chen: School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
Yujin Zhang: School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
Yutao Peng: School of Agriculture, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-17

Abstract: Biochar (BC) and organic fertilizers (OFs) are both organic soil amendments that can be used to improve soil quality, but their effects on soil physicochemical properties and microbial structures may be different. Comparative studies can help us understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of soils. In the current research, five treatments, including a control group (CK), two concentrations of biochar (2% BC and 4% BC), and two concentrations of organic fertilizer (2% OF and 4% OF) and their effects on soil properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial diversity were evaluated. The BC and OF significantly increased the soil EC, pH, and soil nutrients ( p < 0.05). The 2% BC increased the biomass of Pennisetum giganteum by 41.7%. The 4% BC and OF reduced the biomass of P. giganteum . Furthermore, the observed decrease in the P. giganteum yield following the application of the 4% BC can be attributed to reductions in the available phosphorus (AP) and CaCl 2 -P, as well as alterations in the soil enzyme activity. However, the negative impact of OFs on crop yield may be associated with an increased EC, elevated abundance of soil-borne pathogens, and decreased levels of beneficial microorganisms. In summary, a comparative study of the effects of BC and OF on the growth of P. giganteum in acidic soil is of great significance for improving the soil quality, promoting the development of organic agriculture, protecting the environment, and promoting land reclamation.

Keywords: biochar; organic fertilizer; Pennisetum giganteum; soil; enzymatic activity; microbial community (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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