Biochar influences nitrogen availability in Andisols of north Idaho forests

• Published in: SN applied sciences Vol. 2; no. 3; p. 362
• Main Authors: Shan, Shan, Coleman, Mark D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.03.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: 2. Earth and Environmental Sciences (general); Acid phosphatase; Aminopeptidase; Ammonium; Applied and Technical Physics; Availability; Brittleness; Charcoal; Chemistry/Food Science; Decomposition; Earth Sciences; Ecosystems; Engineering; Environment; Enzymatic activity; Enzymes; Forest ecosystems; Forest productivity; Forest residues; Forest soils; Forests; Glucosaminidase; Glucosidase; Hardwoods; Materials Science; Mineralization; Nitrification; Nitrogen; Organic soils; Plant growth; Pools; Research Article; Residues; Soil amendment; Soils; Temperate forests; Terrestrial ecosystems; β-Glucosidase; United States > US; Idaho; Extracellular enzymes; Biochar; Nitrogen cycling; Forest soils
• ISSN: 2523-3963; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2156-y

Biochar application in forest soils can influence tree growth and forest productivity through mediating plant-available nitrogen (N) pools. However, how soil N availability and related transformations respond to biochar addition in cold–temperate forest ecosystems is not well understood. Our study assessed the effect of a hardwood forest residue biochar on soils taken from an elevational gradient within a cold–temperate, north Idaho forest. Forest soils were incubated at 0%, 10% and 20% biochar amendments in a greenhouse for 120 days. We measured soil small organic N (amino compound) and inorganic N (ammonium and nitrate) pools, enzyme activities, small organic N turnover, N mineralization and nitrification rates. Biochar decreased small organic N and inorganic N concentrations in most elevations. Enzyme analysis shows biochar increased the activity of aminopeptidase, but decreased the activity of N -acetyl-β- d -glucosaminidase, β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase. Biochar did not influence small organic N turnover and N mineralization rates, but decreased nitrification rate. In conclusion, hardwood forest residue biochar application in cold–temperate forests has important impact on short-term soil N cycling.