Open AccessBiochar mineralization and priming effect on SOM decomposition in two European short rotation coppices
Author(s) -
Ventura Maurizio,
Alberti Giorgio,
Viger Maud,
Jenkins Joseph R.,
Girardin Cyril,
Baronti Silvia,
Zaldei Alessandro,
Taylor Gail,
Rumpel Cornelia,
Miglietta Franco,
To Giustino
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
gcb bioenergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.378
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1757-1707
pISSN - 1757-1693
DOI - 10.1111/gcbb.12219
Subject(s) - biochar , carbon sequestration , mineralization (soil science) , charcoal , chemistry , decomposition , crop rotation , soil respiration , short rotation coppice , agronomy , environmental chemistry , coppicing , soil water , pyrolysis , environmental science , botany , soil science , carbon dioxide , biology , crop , woody plant , organic chemistry
As studies on biochar stability in field conditions are very scarce, the carbon sequestration potential of biochar application to agricultural soils remains uncertain. This study assessed the stability of biochar in field conditions, the effect of plant roots on biochar stability and the effect of biochar on original soil organic matter ( SOM ) decomposition in two (Italy and United Kingdom) short rotation coppice systems ( SRC s), using continuous soil respiration monitoring and periodic isotopic ( δ 13 CO 2 ) measurements. When root growth was excluded, only 7% and 3% of the biochar carbon added was decomposed after 245 and 164 days in Italy and United Kingdom sites respectively. In the presence of roots, this percentage was increased to 9% and 8%, suggesting a small positive priming effect of roots on biochar decomposition. A decreased decomposition rate of original SOM was observed at both sites after biochar incorporation, suggesting a protective effect of biochar on SOM . This study supports the carbon sequestration potential of biochar and highlights the role of root activity on biochar decomposition, questioning the applicability of laboratory incubation studies to assess biochar stability.