Pine Chip and Poultry Litter Derived Biochars Affect C and N Dynamics in Two Georgia, USA, Ultisols

Some biochars produced by pyrolysis of biomass have the potential to sequester C and enhance nutrient supplies in agricultural soils. A 28-day lab incubation was used assess effects derived from pine chips (PC) or poultry litter (PL) applied at five application rates (0, 22.5, 45.0, 67.5, 90 Mg ha−1 equivalent). Biochars were two acidic Ultisols, a Cecil sandy loam Tifton loamy sand, found Georgia, USA. Cumulative basal soil respiration measured over incubation. Other properties before after pH, total organic carbon (SOC), N, soluble (OC), mineral nitrogen (NH4+-N NO3−-N), microbial (MBC). Before incubation, addition both PC PL increased SOC, C:N ratio Addition biochar OC, NO3−-N soils, MBC soil, NH4+-N soil. decreased but it After averaged across pH 22.5 67.5 treatments, SOC declined 45 controls treatment. In treatments except ha−1, treatments. treatment, all Total N did not change with Basal affected biochar, thought generally greater than Net loss initial increase OC indicated priming adding biochars. Increased time priming. may immobilized NH4+-N, likely supplied it. appeared be inert, although might inhibited nitrification.