The biochar effect on soil respiration and nitrification

Soil microorganisms play a main role in the nutrient cycle and they also play an important role in soil health. This article studies the influence of three rates of biochar (0.5, 1 and 3%) in comparison with control (0 biochar) in two different soils (Valecov and Cista) on soil microbiota activities. The biochar was prepared from 80% of digestate from Zea mays L. and 20% of cellulose fibres by pyrolysis (470 degrees C, 17 min). The biochar ability to influence microbial processes in soil was determined by respiration and nitrification tests. There were no significant differences between basal respiration of control samples and biochar-amended samples. Basal respiration in the Valecov soil reached average amounts from 1.32 to 1.52 mg CO2/h/100 g. In the Cista soil, basal respiration reached average amounts from 1.40 to 1.49 mg CO2/h/100 g. No significant differences were proved also in nitrification tests of both soils. Nitrifying potential was the highest in 3% rate of biochar amendment. There were no negative changes in the measured soil parameters. CO2 efflux was not higher in biochar-amended soil.