Biochar Effects on Soil Compaction in Two Contrasting Soils

Although research on biochar use in soils has increased, its influence on soil compaction has been reported relatively little. The primary objective of this study was to measure the effects of biochar amendment on soil compaction, including infiltration capacity and aggregation, of two contrasting soils: a low soil organic carbon and hydrophilic degraded vineyard soil and a wildfire-degraded high soil organic carbon and hydrophobic forest soil.

We conducted a controlled laboratory soil column study (6 replicates), with PVC tubes filled with control soils and soil-biochar mixtures at a range of moisture contents. The mixtures were compacted under a falling load height that mimicked the standard proctor test. After the compaction procedure, infiltration capacity was determined with a mini disk infiltrometer, and bulk density and mean weight diameter were determined for the upper and lower halves of the soil column.