Comparing Biochar-Swine Manure Mixture to Conventional Manure Impact on Soil Nutrient Availability and Plant Uptake—A Greenhouse Study

The use of swine manure as a source plant nutrients is one alternative to synthetic fertilizers. However, conventional application with >90% water and low C:N ratio results in soil C loss the atmosphere. Our hypothesis was biochar nutrient stabilizer that would slowly release plants upon biochar-swine mixture soil. objectives were evaluate impact biochar-treated on total C, N, plant-available macro- micronutrients greenhouse-cultivated corn (Zea mays L.) soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Neutral pH red oak (RO), highly alkaline autothermal stover (HAP), mild acidic Fe-treated (HAPE) biomass pyrolyzed prepare biochars. Each surface-applied at 1:4 (biochar wt/manure wt) generate mixtures respective biochars (MRO, MHAP, MHAPE). Conventional (M) control manure-biochar then applied recommended rate. Corn grown under these controls treatments (S, M, MRO, MHAPE) quality, yield, uptake. Soil organic matter significantly (<0.05) increased all treatments; however, no change or N observed any treatment. No difference ammonium between identified. There significant decrease Mehlich3 (M3) P KCl extractable NO3? for compared M. concentrations not different from manure. Moreover, an increasing trend decreasing biochar-manure than noted. This observation suggests presence capable influencing such way lose those early growth stages plant. In general, statistical yield uptake P, K observed. Interestingly, diluted M3 Cu Zn concentrations. attribute has potential be better amendment