Differences in soil properties and crop yields after application of biochar blended with farmyard manure in sandy and loamy soils

Article Details: Received: 2018-07-07 | Accepted: 2018-01-18 | Available online: 2019-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2019. 22.01. 21-25 In recent years, the importance of biochar application in world´s soils have increased tendency mainly due to its opposite effects. Therefore, the effort of many companies is based on the development of soil amendment which together improved properties and crop productivity in a lot of soils. In this short study, we have verified the effectiveness of biochar blended with farmyard manure named Effeco on soil properties and crop yields in different textural soils (1. sandy soil in Dolna Streda and 2. loamy soil in Veľke Uľany). Our results showed that the Effeco increased soil pH in both soils. In sandy soil, the Effeco more significantly affected sorptive parameters and soil organic carbon content than in loamy soil. Water retention in capillary pores after Effeco application in sandy and loamy soils was higher by 22% and 4%, respectively compared to control. On the other hand, more significant effect of Effeco application on soil structure was observed in loamy soil. The total crop productions in sandy and loamy soils due to the Effeco application were higher by 82% and 16%, respectively, compared to control plots. All in all, we concluded that the effects of biochar blended with farmyard manure differ mainly on soil texture. Keywords: Effeco, sorptive parameters, soil organic matter, water retention, soil structure, loamy soil, sandy soil References: Agegnehu, G. et al. (2016) Benefits of biochar, compost and biochar-compost for soil quality, maize yield and greenhouse gas emissions in a tropical agricultural soil. Sci. Tot. Environ. , 543, pp. 295–306. Ahmad , M. et al. (2014) Biochar as asorbent for contaminant management in soil and water: a review. 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