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Optimizing Biochar Application Rates to Improve Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Saline–Alkali Soil

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  • Xin Chen

    (School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Li Liu

    (School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Qinyan Yang

    (School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Huanan Xu

    (School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Guoqing Shen

    (School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China
    Shanghai Yangtze River Delta Eco-Environmental Change and Management Observation and Research Station, The Ministry of Science and Technology, The Ministry of Education, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China
    Shanghai Urban Forest Ecosystem Research Station, The National Forestry and Grassland Administration, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Qincheng Chen

    (School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Rd., Shanghai 200240, China)

Abstract

There is great demand for the amelioration of saline–alkali soils, which requires efficient and economical amendments. Biochar addition could alleviate the adverse impacts of saline–alkali stress in crops. However, their efficiency and optimal amounts in saline–alkali soil restoration remain contradictory and inconclusive. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of biochar application on the properties of saline–alkali soil and crop growth, as well as to determine the optimal application rate of biochar. We conducted pot experiments with biochar (B) application rates, including 0 (CK), 1% (B-1%), 2.5% (B-2.5%), 5% (B-5%), and 10% (B-10%), studying the impact of biochar on soil water content (SWC), soil salinity, soil electrical conductivity (EC), soil ion content, soil nutrients, soil enzyme activity, and crop growth. A four-parameter Gaussian function was established for the curves depicting the relationship between soil salinity characteristics and the biochar application rates to determine the most optimal application rate. The results indicated that: (1) Compared to the CK, all biochar treatments improved soil water-holding capacity and reduced soil Na + content and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). (2) B-1%, B-2.5%, and B-5% treatments reduced soil content, EC, Cl − , and SO 4 2− content over CK, while the results were reversed for the B-10% treatment. (3) Compared to the CK, all biochar treatments significantly increased soil fertility, enhanced soil enzyme activity (alkaline phosphatase, catalase, and urease activity), and significantly promoted the growth of maize. (4) The results of the Gaussian model suggested that a biochar application rate of 3.16% is the optimal rate for alleviating soil salinity in saline–alkali soils. This research demonstrated the potential of biochar to improve soil properties and promote crop growth and provided useful information on biochar application rates for ameliorating saline–alkali soils.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Chen & Li Liu & Qinyan Yang & Huanan Xu & Guoqing Shen & Qincheng Chen, 2024. "Optimizing Biochar Application Rates to Improve Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Saline–Alkali Soil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:6:p:2523-:d:1359725
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chaganti, Vijayasatya N. & Crohn, David M. & Šimůnek, Jirka, 2015. "Leaching and reclamation of a biochar and compost amended saline–sodic soil with moderate SAR reclaimed water," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 255-265.
    2. Qadir, M. & Sposito, G. & Smith, C.J. & Oster, J.D., 2021. "Reassessing irrigation water quality guidelines for sodicity hazard," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
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