Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of biochar as soil conditioner on soil physical and chemical properties. Biochar which locally produced from agricultural residues has been added by 2,4,6, and 12% to two different soil textures (loamy sand and clay loam). The study showed a positive effect of adding biochar to the two soils under studied. The water holding capacity of loamy sand soil was increased with values of 3.16,7.69,12.21and 20.36 to the ratios of addition of biochar 2,4,6 and 12% respectively compared with the control treatment. The addition of biochar to clay loam soil also increase the water holding capacity as 1.9,4.28,5.71and 15.71 to the ratios of addition of biochar 2,4,6 and 12% respectively compared with the control treatment. The addition of biochar also has positive effect in reducing the bulk density and increasing porosity of the soils, and the results showed that the positive effect was more effective in sandy loam soils. In additions biochar important role in improving the properties of soils and especially sandy soils, where it works. to reduce the infiltration rate of soil and help to catch and hold it within the root zone and thus contribute to increasing the efficiency of the rationalization use of irrigation water and the treatment of desertification.
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