Localisation of nitrate in the rhizosphere of biochar-amended soils
- Author/s:
- Prendergast-Miller, M.T., Duvall, M., Sohi, S.P.
- Publication:
- Soil Biology and Biochemistry
- Date:
- 1st November 2011
A wheat seedling rhizobox approach was used to differentiate between the rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere (bulk) soil amended with low and high rates of biochar (20 and 60 t ha-1 vs. control). Nitrate (NO3-) was added as the main nitrogen (N) source because emerging biochar research points to reduced NO3- loss through leaching and gaseous loss as nitrous oxide. The rhizosphere under the different treatments were distinct (P ¼ 0.021), with greater soil-NO3- and biochar-NO3- contents in the high biochar treatment. Biochar addition increased wheat root length ratio (P ¼ 0.053) and lowered root N uptake (P ¼ 0.017), yet plant biomass and N content were similar between treatments. The results indicate localisation of NO3- within the rhizosphere of biochar-amended soils which has implications for NO3- loss and improved nitrogen use efficiency.
Relevant Research Areas:
Cite As:
Prendergast-Miller M.T., Duvall, M., Sohi, S.P. (2011) Localisation of nitrate in the rhizosphere of biochar-amended soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 43: 2243-2246