Effects of Biochar Amended Composts on Selected Enzyme Activities in Soils

Abstract

Abstract An understanding of how agricultural practices affect soil quality is critical for farmers to make better management decisions and produce food efficiently and sustainably. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the importance of biochar amendments on soil enzyme activities. The study examined biochar's effects on soil enzyme activities such as β-glucosidase, acid- and alkaline-phosphatase, arylsulfatase, dehydrogenases, arylamidase, cellulase, and urease. Six treatments (compost, biochar, compost + biochar, biochar + compost tea, fescue, and control) were established and the soil samples were collected three years post treatments. Results showed that soil pH, organic matter, and CEC were critical factors associated with soil enzyme activities. Compost and biochar amendment significantly enhanced soil enzyme activities, and the amount of nitrogen applied significantly affected enzyme activity. The study demonstrated that the compost and biochar treatment would improve soil physiochemical and biological properties, hence, enhancing soil health.