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Effect of biochar application on soil water availability and hydraulic conductivity

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 09:49 authored by Marcus HardieMarcus Hardie, Oliver, G, Sally BoundSally Bound, Clothier, B, Dugald CloseDugald Close
Biochar has been widely promoted as a means to improve a range of soil properties including water holding capacity and infiltration. In this study we investigated the effect of applying 47 Mg ha-1 Acacia green waste biochar to a sandy loam texture contrast soil in a commercial apple production system. Thirty one months after incorporation the biochar amended soil had significantly lower bulk density, higher saturated water content and higher near saturated hydraulic conductivity compared to the unamended control. However, biochar application had no significant effect on water holding capacity, field capacity, permanent wilting point, aggregate stability or infiltration at matric potentials below -0.05 kPa. This study casts doubt on the widely cited belief that biochar generally improves soil water movement and soil water holding capacity.

Funding

Horticulture Innovation Australia

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the Soil Science Australia National Soil Science Conference 2014

Editors

A Patti, C Tang, V Wong

Pagination

1-4

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Australian Society of Soil Science Incorporated

Place of publication

Australia

Event title

Soil Science Australia National Soil Science Conference 2014

Event Venue

Melbourne, Australia

Date of Event (Start Date)

2014-11-23

Date of Event (End Date)

2014-11-27

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Australian Society of Soil Science Incorporated

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Evaluation, allocation, and impacts of land use

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

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