Hydrological Properties of a Clay Loam Soil as Affected by Biochar Application in a Pot Experiment

Improving soil-water relations by amending soil with biochar might play a significant role in increasing water availability for agricultural crops as well decreasing loss through drainage or runoff. While the effects of on hydrological properties coarse-textured soils are generally positive and well-documented literature, studies fine-textured rather scarce even contradictory. Therefore, aim this paper was to investigate impact bulk density, retention curve (together several capacitive indicators) infiltration rate clay loam soil. A pot experiment carried out under lab conditions which mixed at rates 0 (B0 control), 2, 4, 6, 8 10% dw (B2, B4, B6, B8 B10, respectively). Water soil–biochar mixtures different matrix potentials determined using pressure plate apparatus. From these measurements, series indicators derived fitting van Genuchten model also performed. into measured means mini-disk infiltrometer obtained data were analyzed both directly Philip’s model. Biochar significantly affected considered properties. As increased, density decreased increased (B6, B10 > B2, B4 B0), while B10). Although performed sieved repacked samples conditions, results confirmed that has potential increase plant-available water, possibly reducing lowering rate.