In-situ grown Ni Co bimetal anchored on porous straw-derived biochar composites with boosted microwave absorption properties

With the gradually increasing protection awareness about electromagnetic pollution,the demand for absorbing materials with renewability and environmental friendliness has attracted widespread attention.In this work,composites consisting of straw-derived biochar combined with NiCo alloy were successfully fabricated through high-temperature carbonization and subsequent hydrothermal reaction.The electromagnetic parameters of the porous biocarbon/NiCo composites can be effectively modified by altering their NiCo content,and their improved absorbing performance can be attributed to the synergy effect of magnetic-dielectric characteristics.An exceptional reflection loss of-27.0 dB at 2.2 mm thickness and an effective absorption bandwidth of 4.4 GHz(11.7-16.1 GHz)were achieved.These results revealed that the porous biocarbon/NiCo composites could be used as a new generation absorbing material because of their low density,light weight,excellent conductivity,and strong absorption.

Effects of Biochar with Organic Materials on Substratum for Raising Rice Seedlings

[Objective] With a rice variety ＂Long Rice 11＂ as a test cultivar,an experiment of raising rice seedlings with the new substrata prepared from biochar,and maize stalks,rice husks,organic fertilizer,turf,zeolite,fine river sand and arable layer soil by mixing according to certain volume proportions was caried out,in order to investigate the physical and chemical properties of different organic-material seedling-raising substrata and the effects of these substrata on seedling growth.[Method] The experiment raised seedlings in greenhouses and adopted randomized block arrangement.[Result] The substratum of biochar mixed with maize stalks and rice husks could increase the maximum water-holding capacity of the substratum,reduce the volume weight of the substratum and improve the buffering effect of the substratum.It also had great effects on the contents of alkali-hydrolyzale nitrogen and rapidly available potassium in the substratum,and could improve the root number and substantial degree of rice seedlings.[Conclusion] Biochar with maize stalks and rice husks（the treament HC） is the optimal substratum in this study.

Effects of straw and biochar addition on soil nitrogen,carbon,and super rice yield in cold waterlogged paddy soils of North China

The additions of straw and biochar have been suggested to increase soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and crop produc- tivity of agricultural lands. To our knowledge, there is little information on the effects of straw and biochar addition on soil nitrogen form, carbon storage, and super rice yield in cold waterlogged paddy soils. We performed field trials with four treatments including conventional fertilization system （CK）, straw amendment 6 t ha^-1 （S）, biochar amendment 2 t ha^-1 （C1）, and biochar amendment 40 t ha^-1 （C2）. The super japonica rice variety, Shennong 265, was selected as the test Crop. The results showed that the straw and biochar amendments improved total nitrogen and organic carbon content of the soil, reduced N2O emissions, and had little influence on nitrogen retention, nitrogen density, and CO2 emissions. The S and C1 increased NH4^＋-N content, and C2 increased NO3^--N content. Both S and C1 had little influence on soil organic carbon density （SOCD） and C/N ratio. However, C2 greatly increased SOCD and C/N ratio. C1 and C2 significantly improved the soil carbon sequestration （SCS） by 62.9 and 214.0% （P〈0.05）, respectively, while S had no influence on SCS. C1 and C2 maintained the stability of super rice yield, and significantly reduced CH4 emissions, global warming potential （GWP）, and greenhouse gas intensity （GHGI）, whereas S had the opposite and negative effects. In summary, the biochar amendments in cold waterlogged paddy soils of North China increased soil nitrogen and carbon content, improved soil carbon sequestration, and reduced GHG emission without affecting the yield of super rice.

Continuous applications of biochar to rice: Effects on grain yield and yield attributes

Biochar is considered as a beneficial soil amendment for crop production. However, limited information is available on the effects of continuous applications of biochar on rice. In this study, a fixed field experiment was conducted in the early and late rice-growing seasons from 2015 to 2017. Grain yield and yield attributes with a widely-grown rice cultivar Zhongzao 39 were compared, with and without applications of biochar in each season. The results showed that grain yield initially decreased with biochar applications in the first three seasons due to decreases in grain weight and harvest index. Although there were further relative decreases in grain weight and harvest index for rice that was supplied with biochar in the fourth to sixth seasons, grain yield was increased(by 4–10%) because of increases in sink size(spikelets per m2) and total biomass. The increased sink size in rice whose soil had been supplied with biochar in the fourth to sixth seasons was achieved by increasing panicle size(spikelets per panicle) or number of panicles, or both. Our study suggests that the positive effects of biochar application on rice yield and yield attributes depend on the duration of biochar application. Further investigations are needed to determine what are the soil and physiological processes for producing yield responses associated with ongoing applications of biochar. Also, it should be evaluated the performance of biochar application combined with other management practices, especially those can increase the grain weight and harvest index in rice production.

Effects of Rice Straw and Its Biochar Addition on Soil Labile Carbon and Soil Organic Carbon

Whether the biochar amendment could affect soil organic matter （SOM） turnover and hence soil carbon （C） stock remains poorly understood. Effects of the addition of ^13C-labelled rice straw or its pyrolysed biochar at 250 or 350℃ to a sugarcane soil （Ferrosol） on soil labile C （dissolved organic C, DOC; microbial biomass C, MBC; and mineralizable C, MC） and soil organic C （SOC） were investigated after 112 d of laboratory incubation at 25℃. Four treatments were examined as （1） the control soil without amendment （Soil）; （2） soil plus ^13C-labelled rice straw （Soil＋Straw）; （3） soil plus 250℃ biochar （Soil＋B250） and （4） soil plus 350℃biochar （Soil＋B350）. Compared to un-pyrolysed straw, biochars generally had an increased aryl C, carboxyl C, C and nitrogen concentrations, a decreased O-alkyl C and C：N ratio, but similar alkyl C and δ^13C （1 742- 1 877 %）. Among treatments, significant higher DOC, MBC and MC derived from the new C （straw or biochar） ranked as Soil＋Straw〉Soil＋B250〉Soil＋B350, whilst significant higher SOC from the new C as Soil＋B250〉Soil＋Straw≈Soil＋B350. Compared to Soil, DOC and MBC derived from the native soil were decreased under straw or biochar addition, whilst MC from the native soil was increased under straw addition but decreased under biochar addition. Meanwhile, native SOC was similar among the treatments, irrespective of the straw or biochar addition. Compared to Soil, significant higher total DOC and total MBC were under Soil＋Straw, but not under Soil＋B250 and Soil＋B350, whilst significant higher total MC and total SOC were under straw or biochar addition, except for MC under Soil＋B350. Our results demonstrated that the application of biochar to soil may be an appropriate management practice for increasing soil C storage.

Effect of Biochar on Relieving Cadmium Stress and Reducing Accumulation in Super japonica Rice

It is of great importance to solve the threats induced by cadmium pollution on crops. This paper examined the effect of biochar on cadmium accumulation in japonica rice and revealed the mechanism underlying the response of protective enzyme system to cadmium stress. Biochar derived from rice straw was applied at two application rates under three cadmium concentrations. Shennong 265, super japonica rice variety, was selected as the test crop. The results indicated that cadmium content in above-ground biomass of rice increased with increasing soil cadmium concentrations, but the biochar application could suppress the accumulation of cadmium to some extent. Under high concentrations of cadmium, content of free proline and MDA （malondialdehyde） were high, so did the SOD （superoxide dismutase）, POD （peroxidase） and CAT （catalase） activity in the flag leaf of rice. However, the protective enzyme activities remained at low level when biochar was added.

Arsenic availability and transportation in soil-rice system affected by iron-modified biochar

Iron-modified biochar(FeOS)is known to be effective at immobilization of arsenic(As)in soils.A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of FeOS on As availability and ttransportation in the soil-rice system at different growth stages of rice with different pollution levels.The results showed that Fe concentration decreased and As concentration increased in paddy soils with the FeOS addition,especially in 120 mg/kg As treatment,the As concentration decreased by 16.46%and 30.56%at the maturity stage with 0.5%and 1%FeOS additions,respectively.Compared with the control,the application of FeOS reduced the arsenic content in rice tissues and increased the biomass,with the root biomass increased by 12.68%and the shoot biomass was increased by 8.94%with the addition of 1%FeOS.This may be related to the promotion of iron plaque formation and the transformation of microbial community structure in FeOS treatments,in accordance with the result of gene abundance and Fe/As contents of iron plaque in the study.This study is expected to provide further support and theoretical basis for the application of FeOS in the remediation of As contaminated paddy soil.

Effect of Rice Straw Biochar on Soil Quality and the Early Growth and Biomass Yield of Two Rice Varieties

Sustainable rice production in Sierra Leone faces serious constraints due to soil acidity, low cation exchange capacity, low nutrient contents accelerated mineralization of soil organic matter and soil loss by erosion (particularly on the uplands). One possible approach to addressing the soil constraints to rice production both on uplands and lowlands of Sierra Leone is the recycling of rice residues through biochar production and application to soils. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of application of biochar from rice residues on (i) soil physicochemical properties and (ii) the early growth characteristics of two rice varieties, NERICA L19 and ROK3. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with two biochar levels (0 and 15 g/kg soil) and two rice varieties in three replications. For the biochar treated soils (+biochar), 75 g rice straw biochar was applied to 5 kg air-dry soil (15 kg biochar/kg soil), mixed thoroughly and placed into perforated black polythene bags. Seeds of two rice varieties, NERICA L19 and ROK3 were planted on the treated and untreated soils for eight weeks. Application of biochar improved available phosphorus, exchangeable cations and cation exchange capacity in biochar treated soils compared to the control soil without biochar. Plant height, tiller number, and dry biomass weight of both rice varieties grown in soils amended with rice straw biochar were significantly higher than those on untreated soils. The most remarkable increase in plant growth characteristics as a result of biochar addition to soil was reflected in the biomass yield and tiller numbers. Dry shoot biomass for ROK3 rice variety varied significantly from a mean of 3.5 g (control) to 26.2 g (+biochar) while tiller numbers significantly varied from 10 (control) to 29.6 (+biochar). Similarly, for NERICA L19 rice variety, dry shoot biomass increased significantly from 4.5 g (control) to 22.7 g (+biochar) while tiller numbers increased significantly from a mean of 12.3 (control) to 30 (+biochar). Thus converting rice residues to biochar and applying to soil holds promise for improving rice production in Sierra Leone.

Application of Rice Husk Biochar for Achieving Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

This paper critically reviewed the current knowledge and challenges of rice husk biochar(RHB)production and its effects on soil properties,plant growth,immobilization of heavy metals,reduction of nutrient leaching and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.The characteristics of RHBs produced at various pyrolysis temperatures were discussed and compared to biochars derived from other agro-industrial wastes.RHBs produced at higher pyrolysis temperatures show lower hydrogen/carbon ratio,which suggests the presence of higher aromatic carbon compounds.The increase of pyrolysis temperature also results in production of RHBs with higher ash content,lower yield and higher surface area.RHB usually has higher silicon and ash contents and lower carbon content compared to biochars derived from other feedstocks at the same pyrolysis conditions.Although it depends on soil type,RHB application can improve soil organic carbon content,cation exchange capacity,available K concentration,bulk density and microbial activity.The effect of RHB on soil aggregation mainly depends on soil texture.The growth of different crops is also enhanced by application of RHB.RHB addition to soil can immobilize heavy metals and herbicides and reduce their bioavailability.RHB application shows a significant capacity in reduction of nitrate leaching,although its magnitude depends on the biochar application rate and soil biogeochemical characteristics.Use of RHB,especially in paddy fields,shows a promising mitigation effect on greenhouse gas(CH4,CO2 and N2O)emissions.Although RHB characteristics are also related to other factors such as pyrolysis heating rate and residence time,its performance for specific applications(e.g.carbon sequestration,pH amendment)can be manipulated by adjusting the pyrolysis temperature.More research is needed on long-term field applications of RHB to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of RHB as a soil amendment.

Influence of Biochar on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Root Morphology of Rice-Seedling in Two Contrasting Paddy Soils

Biochar may affect the root morphology and nitrogen(N)use efficiency(NUE)of rice at seedling stage,which has not been clearly verified until now.To clarify it,we conducted a pot experiment regarding to two soil types(Hydragric Anthrosol and Haplic Acrisol),two biochar application rates(0.5 wt%and 1.5 wt%)and two rice varieties(common rice var.Xiushui134 and hybrid super rice var.Zhongkejiayou12-6)meanwhile.Seedling NUE of common rice Xiuhui134 was significantly increased(p<0.05)by 78.2%in Hydragric Anthrosol and by 91.4%in Haplic Acrisol following biochar addition with 1.5 wt%.However,biochar addition exerted no influence on seedling NUE of super rice Zhongkejiayou12-6 in both soils.Overall,0.09–0.10 units higher soil pH and 105–116%higher soil NH_(4)^(+)-N were observed in Xiushui134 growing two soils with 1.5 wt%biochar.In addition,improved root morphology(including longer root length,larger root surface area,bigger root volume,and more root tips)contributed to the higher seedling NUE of Xiushui134 in two soils.The soil pH and NH_(4)^(+)-N content,also the root morphology were influenced by biochar,which though could not thoroughly explained the NUE of Zhongkejiayou12-6.In conclusion,biochar application to paddy soil changed soil pH and NH_(4)^(+)-N content,root growth,and the consequent seedling NUE of rice,which effects are relative with rice cultivar,biochar addition rate,and soil type.

Co-application of compost or inorganic NPK fertilizer with biochar influences soil quality,grain yield and net income of rice

Most agricultural soils in sub-Saharan Africa are degraded,compromising the grain yield of rice and farmers return on investment.A 3-year field study was undertaken to explore the effect of the application of compost or inorganic NPK fertilizer applied alone or in combination with biochar on soil quality,grain yield of rice and net income.The five treatments were laid out using a randomized complete block design with four replications.The treatments were applied to supply approximately 75 kg N ha–1.The best fertilizer input was compost+biochar which resulted in the greatest improvement in soil physico-chemical properties by reducing bulk density and increasing porosity and moisture retention,organic matter content,percent nitrogen,available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity.Apart from treatment with inorganic fertilizer alone,treated soils showed a decrease in pH.Bacterial and fungal counts and basal respiration decreased in soils in the following order:compost+biochar>compost only>inorganic NPK fertilizer+biochar>inorganic NPK fertilizer>control.The increase in pooled grain yield and net income in response to treatment followed the order:compost+biochar>NPK+biochar>NPK>compost>control.The findings suggest that the use of compost or NPK alone might improve soil quality and increase grain yield and net income,but it is greatly recommended to co-apply these fertilisers with biochar.

Effects of Straw and Biochar Returned to the Soil on Soil Physical Properties and pH Value in Cold Rice Region

[Objectives]In order to explore the feasibility of using straw and biochar returned to the soil to improve soil physical properties and pH value in cold rice regions of China.[Methods]the effects of straw directly returned to the soil and charred straw(biochar)returned to the soil on soil bulk density,porosity,temperature and pH value of cold paddy soil were studied in this paper.[Results]The results showed that compared with conventional production,straw(6 t/ha),a small amount of biochar(2 t/ha)and a large amount of biochar(40 t/ha)returned to the soil reduced paddy soil bulk density at different growth stages by 6.02%-11.86%,2.69%-6.67%and 8.58%-11.32%,respectively,increased total porosity by 7.41%-14.93%,3.19%-8.38%and 9.81%-14.27%,respectively,and increased aeration porosity by 22.28%-192.11%,17.80%-92.11%and 52.44%-157.11%,respectively.Straw and a small amount of biochar returned to the soil had no significant effect on soil temperature and pH value of paddy field,but a large amount of biochar returned to the soil could significantly increase soil temperature by 5.13%-8.79%and pH value by 3.15%-5.96%in the later stage of rice growth.[Conclusions]The straw and biochar returned to the soil could reduce soil bulk density,increase total porosity and aeration porosity,and only a large amount of biochar returned to the soil could significantly increase soil temperature and pH value.

Effects of Biochar Particle Size on Methane Emissions from Rice Cultivation

Biochar amendment is generally recognized as an effective mitigation option of methane(CH_(4))emissions from rice cultivation.Although its mitigation mechanisms are not well understood,the potential relevance of surface area and porosity of biochar has been discussed.This study aimed to evaluate the application of different biochar particle sizes on CH_(4) production,oxidation,and emissions from rice cultivation in a clay loam soil,based on the assumption that porosity and surface area of biochar are directly related to its mitigation effects.Rice was grown under greenhouse conditions for two growing seasons,either with 0.5–2 mm(small,SB)or with 2–4 mm(large,LB)biochar.The results show that both sizes of biochar increased soil pH and redox potential(Eh)during rice growth.Soil dissolved organic carbon(DOC),nitrate(NO^(−)_(3)),and sulfate(SO^(2−)_(4))also increased under both biochar amendments,but size effects were not observed.SB and LB suppressed the abundance of CH_(4) producers(methanogens)but stimulated the abundance of CH_(4) consumers(methanotrophs).The increase of soil Eh and electron acceptors(NO^(−)_(3)and SO^(2−)_(4))indicated the increase in soil oxidation capacity is a barrier to CH_(4) production by methanogens in both biochar treatments.Laboratory incubation experiments showed that CH_(4) production activity was significantly(p≤0.05)reduced by 18.5%using SB and by 11.3%using LB compared to the control.In contrast,the stimulation of methanotrophs promoted greater CH_(4) oxidation activity by 15.0%in SB and 18.7%in LB compared to the control.It shows that CH_(4) production was reduced more by larger surface area biochar(SB),while a greater increase in CH_(4) oxidation was found using larger pore volume biochar(LB).The effects on CH_(4) production were more pronounced than those on CH_(4) oxidation,resulting in a greater reduction of cumulative CH_(4) emissions by SB than LB(by 26.6%and 19.9%compared to control,respectively).

Biochar Application Enhanced Post-Heading Radiation Use Efficiency in Field-Grown Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

It has been shown that adding biochar to soil can improve nitrogen(N)uptake and utilization in rice(Oryza sativa L.).However,there is a lack of research on the physiological alterations of rice as a result of the changes in nitrogen uptake due to the addition of biochar.This study conducted field experiments in 2015 and 2016 with the goal of testing the hypothesis that the application of biochar would enhance radiation use efficiency(RUE)of rice by improving the plant’s ability to take in and utilize nitrogen.Our results demonstrated that the application of biochar(20 t ha−1)induced no significant effects on pre-heading specific leaf weight(SLW),nitrogen uptake(NUpre),and leaf area index(LAI)at heading,the ratios of LAI/NUpre and SLW/Nupre,or pre-heading RUE.How-ever,biochar application significantly increased post-heading nitrogen uptake(NUpost),ratios of NUpost/SLWand NUpost/LAI,and post-heading RUE.These results indicate that the application of biochar can improve the plant’s nitrogen uptake and RUE in field-grown rice during the post-heading period,which confirms our hypothesis.

Rice Husk at a Glance:From Agro-Industrial to Modern Applications

Excessive waste production has led to the concept of a circular bioeconomy to deliver valuable by-products and improve environmental sustainability.The annual worldwide rice production accounts for more than 750 million tons of grain and 150 million tons of husk.Rice husk(RH)contains valuable biomaterials with extensive applications in various fields.The proportions of each component depend primarily on rice genotype,soil chemistry,and climatic conditions.RH and its derivatives,including ash,biochar,hydrochar,and activated carbon have been placed foreground of applications in agriculture and other industries.While the investigation on RH’s compositions,microstructures,and by-products has been done copiously,owing to its unique features,it is still an open-ended area with enormous scope for innovation,research,and technology.Here,we reviewed the latest applications of RH and its derivatives,including fuel and other energy resources,construction materials,pharmacy,medicine,and nanobiotechnology to keep this versatile biomaterial in the spotlight.

Rice Husk Biochar Influences Seedling Emergence of Junglerice(Echinochloa colona)and Herbicide Efficacy

The use of carbonized rice husk biochar improves the fertility and productivity of poor soils in rice-based cropping systems. However, biochar may also influence weed seedling emergence and the efficacy of soil-applied herbicides. Experiments were conducted in a screenhouse to evaluate the effect of biochar rates (0, 20, 40, and 80 t·ha?1) and seed burial depth (0, 1, and 2 cm) on seedling emergence of junglerice (Echinochloa colona) and the effect of biochar rates and pendimethalin (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 g·a.i.·ha?1) and pretilachlor doses (0, 300, 600, and 900 g·a.i.·ha?1) on seedling emergence and seedling biomass of junglerice. Data were analyzed using nonlinear regression. The burial depth to inhibit 50% of maximum seedling emergence was 0.76 cm when biochar was not added to soil and the depth increased with an increase in biochar rates for soil. Similarly, compared with the soil with no biochar, the use of bichoar increased the pretilachlor dose to inhibit 50% of maximum emergence or biomass. The pretilachlor dose to inhibit 50% of maximum biomass of junglerice was 100, 130, 240, and 240 g·ha?1 when biochar was added at 0, 20, 40, and 80 t·ha?1. However, the efficacy of pendimethalin was not influenced by biochar rate. The results of this study suggest that rice husk biochar may increase weed seedling emergence from deeper burial depths and may decrease the efficacy of some soil-applied herbicides.

Arsenic Accumulation in Rice:Sources,Human Health Impact and Probable Mitigation Approaches

The human body loading with arsenic(As)through rice consumption is a global health concern.There is a crucial need to limit As build-up in rice,either by remediating As accumulation in soils or reducing As levels in irrigation water.Several conventional approaches have been utilized to alleviate the As accumulation in rice.However,except for some irrigation practices,those approaches success and the adoption rate are not remarkable.This review presents human health risks posed due to consumption of As contaminated rice,evaluates different biomarkers for tracing As loading in the human body,and discusses the latest advancement in As reducing technologies emphasizing the application of seed priming,nanotechnology,and biochar application for limiting As loading in rice grains.We also evaluate different irrigation techniques to reduce As accumulation in rice.Altering water management regimes significantly reduces grain As accumulation.Bio-and nano-priming of rice seeds improve germination and minimize As translocation in rice tissues by protecting cell membrane,building pool around seed coat,methylation and volatilization,or quenching harmful effects of reactive oxygen species.Nanoparticle application in the form of nano-adsorbents or nano-fertilizers facilitates nano-remediation of As through the formation of Fe plaque or sorption or oxidation process.Incorporating biochar in the rice fields significantly reduces As through immobilization,physical adsorption,or surface complexation.In conclusion,As content in cooked rice depends on irrigation source and raw rice As level.

Sustainable Bio-Conversion of Rice Straw Waste into High Quality Organic Fertilizer

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different additives including biochar, effective micro-organisms (EM), animal manure and commercial microbial inoculants on the bioconversion of rice straw. Different compost piles were constructed, and each contained 50 kg of rice straw and mixture of natural rocks to enrich the compost nutritional value. The physical, chemical and biological parameters indicating the decomposition of organic material, maturation and quality of the organic fertilizer product were investigated during the composting process. A rapid increase in compost temperature was obtained in inoculated piles. All piles reached maturation after around 42 days. All analysis of the properties of the final compost products indicated that it was in the range of the matured level and can be used as organic fertilizer without limitation. The highest decomposition rate and highest organic fertilizer quality were obtained in the pile inoculated with EM and 10% biochar compared to other treatments.

Effects of Straw Utilization Methods on Dry Matter Production and Yield of Japonica Rice in Northern China

To study the effects of straw utilization methods on dry matter production and yield of japonica rice in northern China,taking the super japonica rice Shennong 265 as the test material,using the planting method of seedling transplanting,setting four treatments,namely,the conventional production,directly returning straws to field(6 t/ha),returning straws to field at low amount of biochar(2 t/ha)and returning straws to field at high amount of biochar(40 t/ha),this paper analyzed the changes in production and yield of super japonica rice Shennong265.According to the experimental results,compared with the conventional production,after the straws were directly returned to the field,the dry matter accumulation of japonica rice was insufficient,and the leaf output rate and contribution rate were significantly reduced by 41.19%and 34.69%,respectively;the number of filled grains per panicle,1000-grain weight,and panicles per plant showed negative effect,leading to a decline in the yield;under the condition of returning straws to field at high amount of biochar,the dry matter accumulation showed a decline trend,both the leaf and stem sheath significantly reduced by 21.41%and 17.43%,and the number of filled grains per panicle also declined;under the condition of returning straws to field at low amount of biochar,the dry matter accumulation increased,and the leaf contribution rate increased by 11.68%,the number of filled grains per panicle,1000-grain weight,and panicles per plant showed positive effect,showing the potential of yield increase.In conclusion,returning suitable straw biochar to field(2 t/ha)is favorable for promoting the japonica rice production in northern China.

Transformation mechanism of nutrient elements in the process of biochar preparation for returning biochar to soil

Returning biochar to soil is a heavily researched topic because biochar functions well for soil improvement. There is a significant loss of nutrients, which occurs during biochar preparation before biochar is returned to soil,thereby seriously undermining biochar＇s efficacy. Therefore, the transformation mechanisms of biochar p H,mass, nutrients and metals during pyrolysis under different atmospheres and temperatures were studied such that the best method for biochar preparation could be developed. Several conclusions can be reached：（1） a CO2 atmosphere is better than a N2 atmosphere for biochar preparation, although preparation in a CO2 atmosphere is not a common practice for biochar producers;（2） 350 ℃is the best temperature for biochar preparation because the amount of nutrient loss is notably low based on the premise of straw transferred into biochar; and（3） transforming mechanisms of pH, N, P and K are also involved in the biochar preparation process.