Effects of Poultry Manure Biochar Application on Wheat Production and Soil Chemical Properties in an Andisol

Abstract

We investigated effects of poultry manure biochar application on wheat production and soil chemical properties, compared with fused phosphate application, for an Andisol with P₂O₅ and Zn deficiency. Soil soluble Zn and Cu with poultry manure biochar application were significantly higher than that with application of fused phosphate. Soil pH and available P₂O₅ were not significantly different between fused phosphate treatment and poultry manure biochar treatment. These results suggest that those have similar ability of soil acid neutralization and P₂O₅ storage to soils. Therefore, poultry manure biochar can be viable as an amendment for not only soil carbon sequestration but also storages of P₂O₅ and micronutrients to soils. However, losing the balance of soil exchangeable base composition with heavy application of poultry manure biochar should be noted.