The effects of biochar application to calcareous soils are not well documented. In a laboratory incubation study, a hardwood-based, fast pyrolysis biochar was applied (0, 1, 2, and 10% by weight) to a calcareous soil. Changes in soil chemistry, water content, microbial respiration, and microbial community structure were monitored over a 12-mo period. Increasing the biochar application rate incr...

As soils store more carbon (C) than the Earth's atmosphere and terrestrial biomass together, balance between soil C uptake in form of organic matter (SOC) release as CO2 upon its decomposition is a critical determinant global cycle regulating our planet's climate. Although plant litter predominant source fuelling both build-up losses, issue how chemistry influences this remains unresolved. cont...

Abstract Ants alter soil moisture and nutrient distributions during foraging nest construction. Here, we investigated how the effects of ants on vary with elevation. We compared moisture, carbon, nitrogen levels in samples taken both within nests nearby (control) two subterranean ant species. Using a paired design, sampled 17 sites along elevation gradients California mountain ranges ( Formica ...