Biochar and Other Organic Amendments Improve the Physicochemical Properties of Soil in Highly Degraded Habitat

Abstract

Land degradation is an endless challenge in the world. Thus, rehabilitation with organic amendments (OAs) is an urgent priority issue. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of biochar and other OAs application on soil physicochemical properties and growth parameters of cover crops in greenhouse. Biochar, compost and manure were used as OAs. Soil samples were collected from nine random corners of 30 cm depth and composited. In each experiment, five treatments were considered (biochar, compost, manure, mixed and control) at 1:1 ratio of OAs and soil in a pot, with completely randomized design arrangement in triplicate. The field experiment was made on completely randomized block design and each block contained five 41 x 4 m plots assigned at random within the block and separated by 1 m walkways. OAs additions increased soil pH (5.69-8.13), cation exchange capacity (43.78-49.98 cmolc/kg), organic carbon (1.41-2.46%), organic matter (2.43-3.91%), total nitrogen (0.13-0.76%), available P (18.89-28.53 ppm) and (iron, Fe, manganese, Mn, copper, Cu and zinc, Zn) in comparison to non-treated soil. Tripartite treatments had the largest effect on the biomass of cover crops with 3.43 g fivefold of the control (0.7 g) in alfalfa and 4.54 g twofold of the control (2.07 g) in grass pea p ≤ 0.05. Both in field and greenhouse experiments combination of biochar and other OAs showed a better soil fertility increment and plant growth parameters. The study concluded that there is a synergistic effect in OAs on the soil fertility restoration and plant growth performance.

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Degraded Habitat Enhance Drought Tolerance of Acacia (Acacia abyssinica Hochst. ex Benth.) Seedlings

“…Acacia and Juniperus rhizosphere soil samples were collected from degraded soil of north Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. It is located at 9° 45′ 57″ N and 38° 42′ 06″ E, and the soil is characterized as sandy clay loam [ 22 ]. Soil samples were processed within 24 h, and a tenfold serial dilution was made using sterilized distilled water.…”

Genetic and metabolic diversities of rhizobacteria isolated from degraded soil of Ethiopia

“…The study site is highly degraded and almost devoid of vegetation cover with sandy clay loamy in texture (>50% clay) having low inorganic matter, organic carbon, available P, K and total nitrogen. The soil pH is 5.69 with soil salinity of 0.2 dS/m ( Getahun et al, 2020 ). In the study area, heavy rain started in June and ends in September and the dry season occurred from October to January which is followed by small rain (February to May).…”

Levels of Biochar and NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield Component, and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) at Guto Gida, Western Ethiopia

“…Maize cob can produce more than 50% of its mass with biochar as it contains less volatile materials [16]. Currently, the use of biochar to restore soil fertility and improve soil organic matter content, soil microorganism activity, and crop yield in acidic, sandy, and degraded soils has been increasing in Ethiopia [17]. However, endorsed blended utility charge with NPS fertilizers remains unknown.…”