Enhancing Soil Quality of Short Rotation Forest Operations Using Biochar and Manure

Biochar and manure may be used to enhance soil quality productivity for sustainable agriculture forestry operations. However, the response of surface belowground wood decomposition (i.e., processes) nutrient flux amendments is unknown, more site-specific information about property responses also essential. In a split-plot design, was amended with three rates (whole plot; 0, 3, 9 Mg ha−1) biochar (split-plot; 2.5, 10 ha−1). Soil physical properties, nutrients, enzyme activities were evaluated in two years. addition, stakes species (poplar, triploid Populus tomentosa Carr.; aspen, tremuloides Michx.; pine, Pinus taeda L.) installed both horizontally on vertically mineral serve as an index abiotic biotic changes. Wood stake mass loss, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) tested. The high rate increased water content by average 18%, but increase total P, K, organic carbon (C) content, restricted single sample dates or depths. decomposed faster according location (mineral > surface) (two pine). On average, significantly loss 18% 5%, respectively, it altered cycling. Overall, standard can great indicator changes, ha−1 alone combined long-term sequestration plantations similar conditions present study.