Hydro-/Biochar application to sandy soils: impact on yield components and nutrients of spring wheat in pots

Abstract

AbstractFrom hydro-/biochar application to soils positive effects on soil characteristics and as a consequence on yield of crops were expected. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of maize biochar and maize hydrochar (HTC-char) amendments treated with or without digestate, as well as a wood biochar, mixed with or without digestate and mineral nitrogen fertilizer on yield, yield components, nutrient contents and quality of spring wheat. Therefore, a pot experiment was set up. Yield, yield components and quality were mainly influenced by nitrogen fertilizer. The application of HTC-char could have negative effects on yield and yield components of spring wheat. Hydrochar treated with digestate had no negative effects on yield of spring wheat.Keywords: hydrocharbiocharnitrogen fertilizationcrude protein content AcknowledgementsThe authors acknowledge the Leibniz-Gemeinschaft within the context of the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation (SAW) for founding. Soil was provided for this study from a field managed by IASP (Institute of Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects affiliated to Humboldt-University of Berlin), Berge, Brandenburg, Germany.