The application of green manure in agrarian soils is becoming a sustainable tool to improve soil quality and plant pathogen management. One of the expected characteristics of a plant to be used as a potential green manure is to produce a minimum amount of biomass in order to have sufficient material to perform their role adequately. Green manure management was selected to be included in a crop rotation in order to improve yield and sanitary properties. Five species were chosen due their beneficial properties: Brassica carinata cv Eleven, Camelina sativa cv Beemelina, Pisum sativum cv Viriato, Raphanus sativus cv Melody, and Tagetes patula cv Helen. Four replicates of each treatment were established. Seeds were sown after summer crop so that they grew enough to be applied as green manure before the establishment of the winter crop, Swiss chard. A seeded green manure planting scale has been developed to assess differences in germination when plants are at the 3-4 true leaf stage. The best growth and development was shown by R. sativus, probably due to its higher tolerance to thermic stress. After three seasons, the selected moment of implantation, right after the summer crop, showed a good performance of the selected green manures.

Operational programme FEDER 2021-2027 Castilla-La Mancha: Development of strategies for mitigation and adaptation of agricultural soils to climate change

How to cite: García-Villarrubia Bernabé, C., Moreno Valencia, M. M., and López-Perez, J. A.: Growth of green manures under greenhouse: development of a plant selection for a sustainable soil management in Central Spain, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-144, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-144, 2024.

Soil deterioration due to excessive fertilization and climate change has adverse effects on crop growth globally. In order to enhance soil fertility, application of organic soil amendments has gained importance. One of them represents biochar which is recognized as a sustainable agricultural practice with significant benefits for soil health as it bolsters fertility, enhances nutrient retention and soil structure while sequestering carbon on a long-time scale. However, during aging biochar has been shown to change its properties. Knowledge about those alterations and changes in performance as soil amendment is still scarce. Therefore, our research aimed to compare the impact of freshly added biochar to that of biochar and co-composted biochar having been allowed to age under natural organic farming field conditions for 13 years in a Cambisol on soil properties and the development of Lactuca sativa L. var. The plants were grown in pot experiments for 9 weeks under controlled greenhouse conditions. Compared to the soil freshly amended with biochar (5.93%), the organic matter content of the soils with the aged biochar and aged co-composted biochar was lower (4.76% and 4.91%, respectively) suggesting that some of the biochar was lost during 13 years of aging. However, their SOM content was still significantly higher than in the untreated control soil (3.62%), indicating a positive long-term effect of biochar treatment on soil carbon sequestration. Solid-state ¹³C NMR data showed significantly higher aromaticity of the soil amended with fresh biochar compared to the control soil, which can be directly linked to the polyaromatic nature of biochar. As indicated by the ¹³C NMR spectra, aging of biochar resulted in a relative loss of aromatic structures and a relative increase of O-alkyl C and alkyl C confirming the oxidation of biochar with ongoing aging. Addition of fresh biochar decreased the relative amount of available nitrogen forms (nitrates and ammonia) although its contribution to the soil increased with aging. Even after aging, biochar treatments resulted in a larger production of fresh and dry biomass if compared to the control soil. We noted that co-composted biochar led to greater photosynthesis indexes (SPAD and QY), better water use efficiency (WUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and phosphorus use efficiency (PUE). In addition, it increased the nutrients contents of the plants. This study also explored the multiple positive and negative interactions between different types of biochar addition as organic soil amendments and plant physiological traits. For this purpose, statistical analysis was performed as analyses of variance (ANOVA). Principal Component and correlation analysis (PCA) were also tested. The results of this study will help in understanding the complex relationships between soils, amendments, and plants, and as such are vital for optimizing soil health and achieving higher crop yields through organic amendments.

Acknowledgements: Funded by the European Union. Grant agreement No. 101059546, María Rocio Reinoso and Marta Velasco-Molina are thanked for their technical help in the laboratory.

How to cite: Apostolović, T., García Rodriguez, Á. F., Maletić, S., Glaser, B., and Knicker, H.: Aging of biochar in a Cambisol for 13 years under organic farming field conditions affects its chemical structure but still shows positive impacts on plant growth, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-16903, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16903, 2024.

Weeds currently represent the most important factor limiting agricultural production, causing crop yield reductions estimated at 34% globally [1]. At present, herbicides and tillage are the most common weed control methods, and also plastic mulches for horticultural crops. However, the use of these techniques can cause negative effects: intensive tillage increases soil erosion, leading to a loss of fertility [2]; the use of herbicides pollutes the soil, water, food and air [3], and can cause phytotoxicities in young woody saplings or leave residues in aromatic or horticultural crops [4]; plastic mulches are difficult to recycle and have a negative impact on the environment because of its long degradation period [5]. In this context, and with the aim of avoiding these negative effects, hydromulches can be a more environmentally-friendly alternative, considering as such own made pasty mulches that dry out after application.

In this work, we present the coordinated research project “Hydromulches in woody, horticultural crops and urban environments for weed control and water saving which contribute to circular bioeconomy” (HMulchCircle) (ref. PID2020-113865RR), developed in Spain by different research teams from different institutions. The project complements a previous one (ref. RTA-2015-00047-C5), focused on the use of some hydromulches based on by-products derived from the agricultural sector, mixed with a binder and recycled paper paste and applied liquidly on the ground with subsequent solidification, and has the following objectives: 1) Evaluation of mechanized application of the two hydromulch blends that have shown the longest duration and potential in the previous project in different crops. Optimization of the mechanical application, monitoring and study of the effect on weed control. 2) Elaboration of new blends including own-made paper slurry and other lignocellulosic materials that contribute to the circular bioeconomy of each crop and agrifood industry, and characterization of the new blends (on bare soil). 3) Study of the life span of the new hydromulch materials and the weed control capacity in different crops (oak trees, aromatic plants, vegetables, saffron, vineyards, almond trees, fruit trees, forest tree nurseries, public gardens). 4) Effect of the new materials on the growth, productivity and quality of the different crops, and their interaction with the soil properties. 5) Economic, environmental and social assessments of the hydromulch use.

The multidisciplinary nature of the project and its developing in different edapho-climatic conditions and crops will allow solid conclusions to be drawn about the usefulness of the resulting hydromulches within the framework of the circular bioeconomy and a sustainable agriculture.

References:

1. Chauhan, B. S. 2020. Front. , 1:3.

2. Guccione, G.; Schifani, G. 2001. J. Econ. Agric. Environ., 3, 29-36.

3. Monteiro, A.; Santos, S. 2022. Agronomy, 12, 118.

4. Carrubba, A., Militello, M. 2013. Agron. Sustain. Dev., 33, 551-561.

5. Ghatge, S.; Yang, Y.; Ahn, J.H.; Hur, H.G. 2020. Appl. Biol. Chem., 63, 1-14.

Keywords: mulch, weeds, sustainable agriculture.

Acknowledgements: PID2020-113865RR/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation).

How to cite: Moreno, M. M., Villena, J., Cirujeda, A., Pardo, G., Pueyo, J., Martín-Closas, L., López-Marín, J., Gálvez, A., and Moreno, C.: Research project: Hydromulches for weed control and water saving in a circular bioeconomy framework, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-11419, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-11419, 2024.

This study investigates how soil enriched with carbon-rich materials, such as biochar, influences the sorption and biodegradation capabilities of organophosphorus pesticides (Fenthion, Fenitrothion, Parathion Methyl) under nonequilibrium conditions. Additionally, experiments were conducted to enhance the biodegradation potential of biochar from Miscanthus×giganteus by introducing bacteria capable of degrading organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs).

Transport experiments were carried out in stainless-steel columns (4 cm diameter, 20 cm length) filled with soil amended with biochar previously inoculated with a biofilm of vegetative cells from the Bacillus megaterium BD5 strain. To assess the impact of inoculated biochar on pesticide transport, 0.5% of this adsorbent was added to the total soil mass in the column. Thiourea was included as a tracer at a concentration of approximately 4 mg/L. Pesticide solutions were pumped through the column, and eluates from the outlet were collected at various time intervals, and analyzed for pesticide concentrations using GC/MS Agilent 7890 A/5975C.

Data analysis involved the use of a mathematical transport model by solving the advection-dispersion equation (ADE), yielding transport parameters (retardation, R_d, and biodegradation, λ) and breakthrough curves. The retardation coefficient for investigated compounds ranged from R_d=40-100, with increasing order of Parathion-methyl < Fenthion < Fenitrothion. Biodegradation (λ) of the compounds ranged from λ=0.2-3.3, increasing in the same order. No clear correlation was observed between the octanol-water partition coefficient (K_ow), retardation, and biodegradation, indicating that hydrophobicity alone did not solely determine sorption and transport characteristics under specific experimental conditions.

In summary, introducing inoculated biochar likely contributes to the simultaneous adsorption of organic compounds onto the added adsorbents within the porous material and biosorption onto the inoculated biochar. Generally, adding inoculated carbon-based materials to contaminated sediments shows potential as a remediation technique, inhibiting pollutant leaching to groundwater and facilitating immobilization.

Keywords: transport, biochar, organophosphorus pesticides, biodegradation

Acknowledgment

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Grant agreement No. 101059546

How to cite: Kragulj Isakovski, M., Jevrosimov, I., Tamindžija, D., Apostolović, T., Rončević, S., and Maletić, S.: Enhancing Sorption and Biodegradation: The Influence of Inoculated Biochar on the Transport of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Sandy Soil, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-18851, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-18851, 2024.

This study introduces a novel smartphone-assisted imaging device for efficient control of agricultural inputs and environmental pollution monitoring by quantifying phosphate (PO₄^3-) and nitrate (NO₃^–) concentrations in soil and water samples. Utilizing the smartphone's digital camera, the cost-effective and portable device employs standard colorimetric procedures with chromotropic acid and ascorbic acid for NO₃^– and PO₄^3- detection, respectively. The integrated back camera connects to a handheld system housing ocular sources and optical components, enabling on-the-go measurements. Leveraging the Value (V) component of the HSV color space model, the device estimates NO₃^– and PO₄^3- concentrations, producing results comparable to laboratory spectrophotometers. Additionally, this study explored RGB, CMYK, and CIELAB color space models, validating the device's effectiveness with 30 soil and 15 water samples. In summary, this user-friendly device offers a reliable, cost-effective solution for measuring NO₃^– and PO₄^3- levels in soil and water, presenting results comparable to traditional spectrophotometers without the need for laboratory apparatus.

Index Terms— soil, water, nitrate, phosphate, smartphone, imaging device, HSV, RGB, CMYK, CIELAB

How to cite: Veerabhadrappa, L., Dey, S., and Chakraborty, S.: Comparison of Different Color Space Model's Performance for Estimation of Nitrate and Phosphate in Soil and Water Using A Smartphone-Integrated Imaging Device, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-2851, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-2851, 2024.

Elevated accumulation of arsenic (As) in rice has recently been proposed as a tangible consequence of climate and environmental changes. This requires validation at global scale or at least regional scale. Unfortunately, no dataset is available that enables a direct connection of the levels of As in rice grain and climatic conditions. In this study, we collected soil and rice samples from 162 sites crossing a longitudinal transect (from latitude 8 to 22° N) that covers approx. 2000 km coastal line and numerous deltas in Vietnam territory. The sampling transect reflects the differences in terms of climate conditions, e.g., warm-wet (in the South including the Mekong River delta), warm-dry (South Central) and cold-wet (in the North Central and North). It was found that rice grain assimilated As at the concentrations ranging from 11.6 to 806.7 µg kg^-1 ( = 153.1 µg kg^-1). While rice tends to assimilate less As in the South ( = 110.3 µg kg^-1), North ( = 154.9 µg kg^-1) and North Central ( = 188.8 µg kg^-1), peak accumulation of As was observed for rice grain in the South Central ( = 265.0 µg kg^-1) where is warm-dry and soil As contents were lowest. This observation implies that rice in the South Central likely act less effectively to prevent the translocation of As from soil to rice. It is likely that climatic conditions through their geochemical effects, particularly in the fallow periods (when water is drained) have affected the translocation of As from soil to rice. This scenario is supported by statistical analysis that indicates close relations of grain As with Si, S, P and Fe in soils. However, more empirical evidence that demonstrates direct effects of climatic factors (such as temperature and humidity) on transformation/translocation of As in the soil-rice system are still required; and mesocosm experiments will be included in our future works.

Keywords: Arsenic; rice; climate; paddy soil; geochemistry

How to cite: T.Q. Nguyen, A., M. Dinh, V., T. Nguyen, N., and N. Nguyen, M.: Climate and soil properties cogovern rice arsenic: A longitudinal study, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-3688, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-3688, 2024.

Delineation of management zones in an olive orchard located in Badajoz, southwestern Spain was performed using the Rasch model. The objective was to obtain objective measures of production potential based on nine soil properties: soil apparent electrical conductivity, clay, sand, and silt content, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, and cation exchange capacity. A total of 40 locations in the field were assessed, and the model integrated the soil properties to rank the locations according to their soil production potential. The influence of each individual soil property on the production potential was also determined. Any anomalies in the soil samples or properties were highlighted, providing information for site-specific treatments and enhancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability in field management. Geostatistical algorithms were employed to estimate and map soil production potential, enabling the delineation of management zones in the field based on a rational basis.

Keywords: predictive map, probabilistic model, soil production, Extremadura, olive tree.

How to cite: Rebollo Castillo, F. J., Moral García, F. J., Rebollo Moyano, L., Aguirado Montero, C., Honorio Guisado, F., García Martín, A., and Paniagua Simón, L. L.: Rasch Model-Based Zone Delineation for Olive Orchard Management., EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-5610, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-5610, 2024.

The increasing production of sludge has added to the sewage treatment burden, making its disposal an important challenge for urban environmental management. Biochar has great potential to effectively reduce the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals in municipal sludge due to its adsorption capacity. This study conducted a 20-day sewage sludge composting experiment with the addition of wheat straw and chicken manure biochars to test their effects on the sewage sludge physicochemical properties and immobilization of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) in the sewage sludge. During composting, the physicochemical properties of the treatments changed to different degrees compared to the original pile. Specifically, pH, CEC, TP, and TK increased, while the content of OM and TN decreased. As a result of the concentration effect, the total contents of Cd, Cu, and Zn increased in both of the C1 and C2 treatments. In the present study, heavy metals were stabilized more effectively by the wheat straw biochar than that derived from the chicken manure. Both types of biochar are effective at immobilizing Cd, Cu, and Zn in the compost, while WSB is more effective. These results are affected by indirect physicochemical properties of the compost, as well as the direct ion exchange, complexation and precipitation. Therefore, these results indicate that it is feasible to use biochar, especially derived from the wheat straw, to immobilize heavy metals in the sludge.

How to cite: Quan, W., Yang, K., Gong, Y., Yang, K., Ai, Y., and Cheng, H.: Effects of biochar derived from wheat straw and chicken manure on the immobilization of Cu, Zn and Cd in sludge composting, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-7995, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-7995, 2024.

Soil, an indispensable component of natural capital, provides essential ecosystem services like food production, climate regulation, and nutrient cycling. However, agriculture, spanning roughly 33% of Earth's land surface, poses a significant threat to soil integrity and functionality, because it could cause the loss of soil organic matter, pollution and alteration of physical properties. According to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, resilient agricultural practices that progressively improve land and soil quality must be employed. The use of organic fertilizers, such as biochar and hydrochar, deriving from thermochemical treatments of wastes, instead of mineral fertilizers, may have the advantage of restoring the organic C stock in the soil, also helping to mitigate climate change. However, the use of these organic fertilizers at a large scale requires a comprehensive assessment to exclude any potential adverse effects on the soil biotic community which plays a key role in the provisioning of ecosystem services.

Within the interdisciplinary project “CHIMERA”, aimed to assess the hydrochar effects on the soil-plant-atmosphere system, this study evaluated the changes in the chemical and microbial properties after the addition of hydrochar to degraded agricultural soil. A controlled experiment was conducted within a greenhouse using pots (21 cm in diameter, 16 cm in height), each holding 1 kg of soil. Two types of hydrochar, derived from hydrothermal carbonization (250°C and 50 bar in the absence of oxygen) of two distinct sources (residues of thistle - Cynara cardunculus L. - and sewage sludge, labelled as HC and HS, respectively), were introduced into the soil at two different application rates (3 kg m^-2 and 6 kg m^-2). This resulted in a total of 5 treatments: four with hydrochar and one control without hydrochar addition. Moreover, the experimental design comprised five replicates for each treatment across three exposure times (18, 92 and 146 days). After each exposure time, soil samples were collected and analysed to assess pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon content (C_org), extractable organic carbon (C_ext), mineralizable carbon (C_min), total microbial activity (as soil potential respiration, mg CO₂-C kg^-1 d.w. d^-1), microbial biomass (C_mic), microbial percentage of total C_org (C_mic%C_org), quotient of mineralization (qM, C_min%C_org) and metabolic quotient (qCO_2, CO₂-% C_mic d^-1).

The results showed no negative effect of hydrochar on considered variables, while positive effects on some of them were found. The response of soil variables to the addition of hydrochar depended on exposure time, dose and type of hydrochar. Generally, better results were recorded at 92 days of exposure, especially in treatment with thistle-derived hydrochar at the highest dose. Data suggest that hydrochar may be regarded as a promising soil fertilizer, also considering other results from CHIMERA project showing positive effects on the growth of Populus alba L. and, limited to thistle-derived hydrochar, also a reduction of N₂O emission from soil, compared to control. However, further studies are needed to ascertain whether the positive effects persist in the long term and whether they are also confirmed at the field scale and for other feedstock types.

How to cite: Di Santo, T., Marzaioli, R., Zaccariello, L., Coppola, E., Battipaglia, G., Castaldi, S., Mastellone, M. L., and Rutigliano, F. A.: Hydrochar applications to an agroecosystem soil to improve its functionality, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-11648, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-11648, 2024.

Copper (Cu) mining have been carried out for more than a century in the Minas do Camaquã region, southern Brazil. Currently, this site has an extensive area impacted by the disposal of tailings and the soil has high levels of Cu. As a result of this contamination, the site has little or no vegetation cover, increasing the risk of other environmental compartments being affected. Phytoremediation can be used to mitigate this problem, and its efficiency can be enhanced by the use of organic amendments. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the effect of sewage biosolids on the development of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) in a copper-contaminated soil after the cultivation of black oats (Avena strigosa). A biosolid obtained from the sludge of an aerobic domestic sewage treatment system was used in this study. The pots with soil from the area impacted by copper mining tailings (739 mg kg^-1 of Cu Mehlih) received increasing doses of biosolid (0, 90, 180, 360, 720 and 1440 kg ha^-1 of N) and black oat was grown in a greenhouse. After 75 days black oats were harvested, and then jack bean were cultivated in the same soil, using the same treatments of the black oat, but without new addition of biosolid. The jack bean was harvested at flowering to determine dry mass and copper content in tissues. The dry mass of the shoot increased with the addition of biosolid, but no significant difference was observed between treatments for dry mass of the roots. The highest dose (1440 kg ha^-1 of N) promoted the highest dry mass production of the shoots (20 g pot^-1), but did not differ (p < 0.001) from doses of 180, 360 and 720 kg ha^-1 of N. In the control treatment (0 kg ha^-1 of N) the plant presented less than 8 g pot^-1of aerial biomass. The highest levels of Cu in shoot biomass were observed in the intermediate doses (180 and 360 kg ha^-1 of N) and in the control treatment (average of 22.11 mg kg^-1), differing (p < 0.05) only from the dose of 1440 kg ha^-1 of N (12.42 mg kg^-1). In the roots, no significant difference (p = 0.525) in Cu content was observed. Thus, our study indicates that intermediate doses (180 and 360 kg ha^-1 of N) of biosolids promoted plant growth similar to the higher doses and increase the Cu contents in the shoot biomass. More studies must be carried out to evaluate the effects of biosolids on other soil and plant parameters, but our results indicate that the use of biosolids can be an alternative for increasing vegetation cover in phytoremediation strategies for soils contaminated by Cu mining tailings.

How to cite: Silveira, A., Tamiozzo, F., Santana, N., Jacques, R., Clasen, B., and Schein, E.: BIOSOLID FROM SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT INCREASES THE GROWTH OF JACK BEAN (Canavalia ensiformis) IN A COPPER CONTAMINATED SOIL, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-13625, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-13625, 2024.

 Soil salinization is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in current agricultural production. In this study , we utilized novel materials, unfunctionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-OH), to explore the effects of soil carbon and nitrogen cycles in saline soil. We set up four treatments, which were exposed to two exposure doses of 1 g/kg and 1 µg/kg and two MWCNT types of functionalized MWCNT-OH and unfunctionalized MWCNT. Our results demonstrate that exposure of saline soil to 1 g/kg functionalized MWCNT-OH significantly increased the soil inorganic nitrogen (p < 0.05), while also promoting the soil microbial biomass. This exposure can also potentially enhance greenhouse gas emissions from saline soil. Moreover, exposure to MWCNTs significantly increased the proportion of Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, two dominant phyla (p < 0.05), which in turn improved their contribution to the carbon and nitrogen cycling processes within saline soil. High exposure dose treatments (1 g/kg) significantly increased the abundance of functional genes associated with carbon metabolism, carbon fixation, methane metabolism, and nitrogen cycling processes within saline soil. In contrast, low exposure dose treatments (1 µg/kg) had no significant effect on the abundance of functional genes related to nitrogen cycling, but significantly increased the abundance of special functional genes related to carbon cycling. Redundancy analysis revealed that the microbial community composition within saline soil was significantly impacted by the soil total carbon, total nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen content. Furthermore, it was observed that over 80% of the carbon and nitrogen cycling processes within the saline soil were contributed by the dominant phyla. In summary , our research confirms the potential applicability of MWCNTs within saline soil. Notably, exposure of saline soil to 1 g/kg functionalized MWCNT-OH exhibited the most significant promoting effect on the carbon and nitrogen cycles.

How to cite: Zuo, Y., Zeng, W., Ao, C., and Lei, G.: Effect of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Carbon and Nitrogen Cycling Processes in Saline Soil, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-15237, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-15237, 2024.

As the United States charts a course towards net-zero targets, the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) will release the latest biomass assessment, the Billion-ton 2023 (BT23) report. These reports provide an advancement in the understanding of quantity, spatial distribution, and economic accessibility of biomass resources in the U.S. Building on this work, we present the potential for biomass resources to contribute to biochar production that can be used for agricultural soil amendments, as well as biomass used for energy and bioproducts. Through modeling using a partial-equilibrium linear programming model, we evaluate biomass resources on agricultural land. With producer responses to biochar market incentives and sustainability considerations, residues from these biomass resources can be leveraged for biochar boosting the sustainability of the energy crop system. This research also introduces the potential for biochar from Wildfire Crisis Strategy (WCS) generated biomass, an unprecedented effort by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to make wildfire-prone forests more resilient. We estimate biomass availability resulting from thinning and fuel reduction treatments on western landscapes and present this research as a potential case study for sourcing biochar material as a soil amendment. Beyond energy generation, the focus of this work is on co-production of bioproducts and creating a pathway for payments that contribute to more sustainable agricultural systems. This dual-use strategy not only fortifies the development of renewable energy systems but also accentuates the importance of resilience by incorporating biochar to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration.

How to cite: Davis, M. and Hellwinckel, C.: Biochar Potential from Wildfire Crisis Wastes and Woody Energy Crop Wastes  , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-20921, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-20921, 2024.

Heavy metals accumulate due to various human activities in sediments thereby negatively impacting on aquatic ecosystems and potentially via food chain transfers harming human health. To maintain the hydraulics of water bodies heavy metal (HM) polluted sediments are frequently simply dig out of the riverbeds and channels, and subsequently dumped on sites in their vicinity. We studied the ability of such clay and organic rich ‘waste’ sediments to acts as amendments for marginal soils. Their added organic matter could play a crucial positive role in soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.

The introduction of organic amendments can either diminish or mobilize heavy metals when applied to marginal soils. Lysimeters were filled with marginal sandy soil collected from the Danube riverbanks in Novi Sad, Serbia, ensuring it was free of HM contamination. Six distinct organic soil amendments (OSA) were introduced to the lysimeters: i) biochar, ii) sludge, iii) compost, iv) biochar + sludge, v) biochar + compost, and vi) biochar + sludge + compost.

The sludge utilized is derived from aquatic sediment in the Begej Canal, Serbia, known for its heavy pollution. Among others, this study aims to assess whether this specific sludge type can serve as a viable soil amendment rather than being relegated to landfill disposal. The compost utilized originated from green waste in Novi Sad, while the biochar was produced from Miscanthus, a C₄ plant feedstock, at 550°C at the Technical University Aachen. Both the OSA and sandy soil underwent chemical and physical characterization before application. The maximum added amendments varied from 1 to 5% (w/w), depending on the OSA type.

All probes were established at Faculty of Science, University of Novi Sad, in triplicates, featuring lysimeters with a height of 435 mm and a diameter of 180 mm. The results of heavy metal leaching data under different OSAs will be presented at the meeting, highlighting key findings and conclusions. Additionally, we will discuss the role of water event-driven transport in the overall process.

Acknowledgement: "Funded by EU grant #101059546"

How to cite: Đukanović, N., Weihermuller, L., Kruse, J., Siebers, N., Tenodi, S., Kragulj Isakovski, M., Bol, R., and Maletić, S.: Impact of organic soil amendments on heavy metal losses and nutrient cycling –  medium-sized controlled lysimeter experimental assessment, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-15577, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-15577, 2024.