Most Plant Nutrient Elements Are Retained by Biochar in Soil

Abstract

Biochar may contain substantial amounts of plant nutrient elements, and at typical rates of application, may supply luxury levels of K, Ca, P, and other plant nutrients. However, little is known of the agronomic effectiveness of these nutrients because they exist in diverse compounds and are located in the microporous matrix of biochar particles. We have identified the compounds and location of nutrient elements in three biochars and observed their release from biochar particles in soil. Much K was quickly released from biochar but little or no Ca, Mg, S, and P were released over eight months, which represents a very different behavior from chemical fertilizers that are mostly water soluble. There is clearly a need to determine the availability to plant nutrients in biochar. Appropriate laboratory methods should be developed for measuring the availability of plant nutrients as standard methods of fertilizer analysis are ineffective.