A Short Report on Changes of Quality Indicators for a Sandy Textured Soil after Treatment with Biochar Produced from Fronds of Date Palm

Abstract

Soils in Abu Dhabi are not favourable for agricultural purposes because of intrinsic characteristics; mainly low water retention and poor fertility. We characterized biochar produced from fronds of date palm and subsequently analysed the impact of amendment on quality indicators of a soil typically found in the UAE. Biochar was applied at 0, 10, 50 or 100 g kg -1 soil. Treatment with biochar increased soil water retention up to 20%, increased Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) slightly from 2.5 up to 6.7 meq 100 g -1 and lowered the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) of soil to below sodic levels (< 13). Biochar application at 50 g kg -1 soil appears to be the rate at which changes in soil quality become apparent. The data indicate that treatment of soil with biochar induces changes in soil that are favorable but long term studies are required to monitor the longevity of these effects.