Transactions of the ASABE · 2016 · 15 citations · 0 references
AgricultureAgronomySoil SciencesSoil ChemistrySoil FertilitySoil Organic MatterManure Nutrient ManagementNitrogen CycleNitrogen CyclingNitrogen ManagementNitrogen OxidesNutrient UtilizationAerationManure Nitrogen ManagementManure-derived BiocharNitrogen Loss ReductionNitrous OxideNitrous Oxide Emissions From AgricultureProcess Temperature EffectsTurning
<abstract> This study examined the effect of biochar addition on nitrous oxide (N<sub>2</sub>O) emission and nitrogen (N) transformation in co-composting of biochar and chicken manure. Compared with the control (no biochar), addition of 20% biochar resulted in a 59.8% decrease in the major peak of N<sub>2</sub>O emission. Ammonium (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N) and nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>-N) contents in the final product with 20% biochar addition increased by 67.3% and 66.7%, respectively, compared to the control. Turning frequency (TF), the primary parameter of aeration and temperature control in the biochar-manure co-composting process, was also investigated. Results indicated that less frequent turning (e.g., turning every seven days) promoted NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N and NO<sub>3</sub>-N retention but increased peak N<sub>2</sub>O emission by 58.1% compared with daily turning. Overall, biochar can be an ideal bulking agent for stabilizing N-rich materials to minimize N<sub>2</sub>O emission and, with proper aeration, can enhance nitrogen retention based on this laboratory study.