Interactions between flue gas desulfurization gypsum and biochar on water infiltration characteristics and physicochemical properties of saline-alkaline soil

Abstract

The application of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) improves the soil structure, reduces soil pH, and accelerates soil salt leaching. Biochar amendment to soil can affect the soil infiltration rate, increase soil porosity, decrease soil bulk density, and enhance the water retention capacity. This study investigated the interactive effect of FGDG and biochar on water infiltration characteristics and physicochemical properties as well as determined the optimal amendment rate as a saline-alkaline soil conditioner. Seven experimental schemes were designed, and the newly reclaimed cultivated soil from Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone in Fujian Province, China, was used in an indoor soil column experiment to simulate soil infiltration. Five models were employed to describe the infiltration process. The power function was used to represent the dynamic process of the wetting front. The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) there was a reduction in the infiltration capacity of saline-alkaline soil (sandy soil) in each treatment, and the application of FGDG alone had the highest inhibition effect compared to the control (CK). The Kostiakov model provides the best fit for the experimental data of soil cumulative infiltration. (2) All treatments increased the total porosity and water content of saline-alkali soil, with the combined application of FGDG and biochar found to be more effective. (3) The application of FGDG alone or in combination with biochar decreased the pH and increased the electrical conductivity of the saline-alkali soil significantly, with the combined application having the most significant effect. In contrast, soil amended with biochar alone had minimal effect on the pH and EC of the soil. (4) The best improvement ratio was achieved with the F1B2 combination (75 g/kg FGDG + 30 g/kg biochar).

Biochar Loaded with a Bacterial Strain N33 Facilitates Pecan Seedling Growth and Shapes Rhizosphere Microbial Community

“…In our study, soil EC decreased following the application of biochar, bacteria, and biochar loaded with bacteria. Similar research demonstrated that the decreased soil EC may be related to the dissolution of soil salt by biochar [32]. Additionally, the decrease in soil EC post-bacterial application may be due to microbe metabolism that breaks down some of the salt [33].…”

Effects of Environmentally Friendly Materials on Saline Soil Improvement and Sunflower Yields in the Hetao Irrigation Region, China

“…Therefore, its effects on soil physical characteristics are primarily determined by its material composition in the short term [39], but its long term effects are indirectly influenced by affecting plant growth and the microbial community [14]. The biochar and the FGD gypsum have an impact on the soil ′ s physical parameters primarily due to their solid structure [40]. The biochar is capable of maintaining its structure for an extended period.…”