Effects of biochar and wood vinegar co-application on composting ammonia and nitrous oxide losses and fertility

Wang Huang; Xiaolong Sun; Haijun Sun; Yanfang Feng; Xueliu Gong; Yaxin Ma; Jiang Jiang; Lihong Xue

doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131388

Effects of biochar and wood vinegar co-application on composting ammonia and nitrous oxide losses and fertility

Bioresour Technol. 2024 Nov:412:131388. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131388. Epub 2024 Aug 29.

Authors

Wang Huang¹, Xiaolong Sun², Haijun Sun³, Yanfang Feng⁴, Xueliu Gong⁵, Yaxin Ma⁶, Jiang Jiang⁷, Lihong Xue⁷

Affiliations

¹ Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Soil and Water Conservation, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Downstream of Yangtze Plain, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
² Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
³ Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Soil and Water Conservation, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁴ Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Downstream of Yangtze Plain, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁵ Institute of Resources, Ecosystem and Environment of Agriculture, and Center of Biochar and Green Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, China.
⁶ Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in Downstream of Yangtze Plain, Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.
⁷ Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Soil and Water Conservation, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.

PMID: 39214175
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.131388

Abstract

Composting faces challenges with nitrogen (N) losses through ammonia (NH₃) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. In this study, wood vinegar (WV) and biochar (BC) were applied individually or combined into wheat straw and chicken manure composting. Results showed that BC and WV reduced NH₃ volatilizations by 22-23 % individually, but their combined application achieved a 59 % reduction. However, this combination increased N₂O emissions by 174 %. The BC + WV treatment improved compost quality, evidenced by increased total N content by 22 % and enhanced the biological index, promoting additional dissolved organic matter production. Overall, BC and WV applications improved compost quality, reduced gaseous N losses, and supported the re-utilization of agricultural residues. The combined use of BC and WV significantly enhances compost quality and reduces NH₃ emissions, offering a promising solution for sustainable agricultural residue management.

Keywords: Benefits; Bioresource cycling; Compost nutrients; DOM; Reactive gaseous N.

MeSH terms

Acetic Acid*
Ammonia*
Animals
Charcoal* / chemistry
Chickens
Composting* / methods
Manure
Nitrogen
Nitrous Oxide*
Soil / chemistry
Triticum / chemistry
Wood / chemistry

Substances

biochar
Nitrous Oxide
Charcoal
Ammonia
Acetic Acid
Manure
Soil
Nitrogen