Effects of Applying a Wood Bark-derived Biochar to Sand Dune Soil on Water and Nutrient Retention Properties in a Field Experiment

Abstract

The objective of this study is to elucidate the effects of applying a wood bark-derived biochar to sand dune soil on water and nutrient retention properties in a field experiment. Biochar was applied into the soil at 0 (control), 20, and 40 t-DW ha^-1. Applying biochar significantly enhanced the available water capacity of the soil. Compared with control, the available water capacity increased 20-30 % with 20 t-DW ha^-1 and 50-60 % with 40 t-DW ha^-1. In addition, applying biochar significantly enhanced the cation exchangeable capacity of the soil. Compared with control, the cation exchangeable capacity increased 2-4 % with 20 t-DW ha^-1 and 8-9 % with 40 t-DW ha^-1. Furthermore, the decrease in soil matric potential at the root zone of little turnips was suppressed by application of biochar with 40 t-DW ha^-1. Our results clarify the positive effects of applying wood bark-derived biochar on water and nutrient retention properties of sand dune soil under field conditions.