University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Jakob Fessl
(2015):
Effectiveness of biochar for increasing soil quality and reducing metal availability in three different soils.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Bodenforschung (IBF),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 69.
UB BOKU
obvsg
- Abstract:
- Intensification of agricultural and industrial activities leads to soil degradation and contamination. In this context the use of soil amendments as means for soil remediation presents an economically feasible and environmentally friendly approach. The present study investigates the effectiveness of biochar (BC) in comparison to a mineral amendment for aided phytostabilisation on a Cd, Zn and Pb contaminated soil. Additionally, the potential of BC for improving soil quality is assessed on two humus-depleted agricultural soils. Two activated and N-enriched BC variations (P-BC; S-BC) in comparison to a mineral amendment (GSFe) and a combination (P-BC + GSFe) were applied in rates of 0.5%, 1% and 3% in a field and greenhouse pot experiment along with the cultivation of Miscanthus x giganteus (MC) or Zea mays (ZM). All amendments led to a significant immobilisation of Cd, Zn and Pb in the top 10 cm of the soil in the field and to a significant reduction in the leached Cd and Zn fractions in the pot experiment compared to the controls. A liming effect induced by a soil pH increase was found to be the main underlying mechanism. Metal concentration measured in MC was low, but unaffected by the amendments. The study suggests that all amendments were suitable for aided phytostabilisation in the Cd, Zn and Pb –contaminated soil with a combined cultivation of MC as energy crop. However, no differences were found between BC and GSFe. Regarding the improvement of soil quality on humus-depleted soils, N-enriched BC might lead to minor positive effects, such as increases in pH and plant N, but did not enhance other soil quality parameters, such as Corg. In terms of biomass production in the pot experiment, the BC amendment did not surpass the NPK fertilized control. Therefore, the application of BC for the purpose of soil remediation on temperate soils is depending on various factors, e.g. remediation purpose, which need detailed examination prior to its use.
- Beurteilende(r): Puschenreiter Markus