Water retention and availability in tropical soils of different textures amended with biochar

•Biochar from sewage sludge, sugarcane, and green coconut increased the water retention in the sandy soil.•Sugarcane and green coconut biochars improved the water holding capacity of all tested soils.•Biochar reduced the bulk density of the sandy soil but not the clayey soil.•Biochar proved distinct...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Catena (Giessen) Vol. 219; p. 106616
Main Authors:	Araújo Santos, Joseilma, Isidoria Silva Gonzaga, Maria, Melo dos Santos, Wallace, José da Silva, Airon
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier B.V 01-12-2022
Subjects:	Available water Environmental sustainability Green coconut wastes Organic residues Green coconut wastes Environmental sustainability Organic residues Available water
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	•Biochar from sewage sludge, sugarcane, and green coconut increased the water retention in the sandy soil.•Sugarcane and green coconut biochars improved the water holding capacity of all tested soils.•Biochar reduced the bulk density of the sandy soil but not the clayey soil.•Biochar proved distinct benefits for the hydraulic properties of soils with different textures. Most of the Brazilian soils have severe water limitations to crop growth and, therefore, can benefit from organic amendments. For instance, biochar is known to improve soil water dynamics and use efficiency by increasing the water holding capacity and availability. This study assessed the effect of sewage sludge (SSB), green coconut residues (GCB), and sugarcane bagasse (SCB) biochars on the water retention capacity and availability of three tropical soils (Typic Quartzipsamment-TQ, Ultisol, and Luvisol). Control treatments (no biochar) were included as references. Soil bulk density, water holding capacity (WHC), water retention curves, and plant available water (AW) were determined. We also measured soil pH, organic matter content, and electrical conductivity (ECs). Biochar (SCB and GCB) increased the WHC by 62% in the Typic-Quartzipsamment, 38% in the Ultisol, and 18% in the Luvisol. The SCB increased the AW in the TQ and Ultisol by 40% and 10%, respectively. Conversely, SCB and GCB reduced the AW in the Luvisol by 22.5% and 17.5%, respectively. Biochar improved the WHC of the coarse-textured soils. In the clayey soil, biochar improved soil porosity and water transmission. We conclude that biochar can be an excellent amendment to soils across a range of textures.
ISSN:	0341-8162 1872-6887
DOI:	10.1016/j.catena.2022.106616