Effects of Biochar and Compost Applications on Penetration Resistance and Physical Quality of a Sandy Clay Loam Soil

Abstract

Due to intensified agricultural mechanization, soils are exposed to increased levels of degradation. Soil compaction is the beginning of this degradation which further proceeds to decrease organic matter content of soils. Among the various methods applied to solve these problems, the addition of organic matter to the soil has an important place. Thus, agricultural land application of organic wastes, such as biochar and compost, could alter the soil properties to offset the degradation effects. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of compost and biochar application on the soil compaction and its quality score. Biochar and compost of the Elaeagnus tree pruning residues were applied in a field at a similar rate of 0%, 2%, and 4%. Results indicated that the soil penetration resistance (PR) statistically experienced a downward trend compared to the control when applied with compost and biochar. The application of 2–4% biochar and compost lowered soil PR by exactly 8.80%, 9.33%, 18.22%, and 28.89%, respectively, throughout the period of 7 months. Furthermore, the infusion of biochar and compost into the soil significantly increased the soil compaction quality score compared to the control, and the least value of PR was observed for the compost-treated soil at the application rate of 4%. Compost and biochar applications were effective to improve the physical quality of a sandy clay loam soil, making it more suitable for plant development. On the other hand, the effect of compost treatments was more impact than biochar treatments.