A Meta-Analysis Study on the Use of Biochar to Simultaneously Mitigate Emissions of Reactive Nitrogen Gases (N 2 O and NO) from Soils

Xiayan Zhang, Jiyang Lv, Yuyang Zhang (), Shouguo Li, Xian Chen and Zhipeng Sha ()
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Xiayan Zhang: Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Jiyang Lv: Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Yuyang Zhang: The National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of High Efficiency and Superior-Quality Cultivation and Fruit Deep Processing Technology on Characteristic Fruit Trees, College of Plant Science, Tarim University, Alear 843300, China
Shouguo Li: Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Xian Chen: Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
Zhipeng Sha: Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-14

Abstract: Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and nitric oxide (NO) are detrimental reactive gaseous oxides of nitrogen. Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers in cropping systems has significantly increased the emissions of these gases, causing adverse environmental consequences. Previous studies have demonstrated that biochar amendment can regulate soil-N dynamics and mitigate N losses, but they lacked simultaneous assessments of soil N 2 O and NO emissions. Thus, the factors influencing the emissions of nitrogen oxides are still unclear. Therefore, this study examined the impact of biochar application on simultaneous N 2 O and NO emissions based on 18 peer-reviewed papers (119 paired observations). A machine learning model (boosted regression tree model) was adopted to assess the potential influencing factors, such as soil properties, biochar characteristics, and field management conditions. The addition of biochar reduced N 2 O and NO emissions by 16.2% and 14.7%, respectively. Biochar with a high total carbon content and pH, from woody or herbaceous feedstock, pyrolyzed at a high temperature, applied at a moderate rate and to soil with a high-silt content, a moderate pH, and coarse texture, could simultaneously reduce soil N 2 O and NO emissions. Biochar amendment, thus, has the potential to lower the environmental impact of crop production. Furthermore, the influence of soil properties, biochar characteristics, and field management should be considered in the future to enhance the efficacy of biochar.

Keywords: N 2 O emissions; NO emissions; biochar; influencing factors (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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