Effects of Varying Rates of Nitrogen and Biochar pH on NH3 Emissions and Agronomic Performance of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis)

Abstract

NH3 emitted into the atmosphere undergoes intricate chemical reactions to form fine particulate matter PM2.5. Nitrogen fertilizers are one of the major sources of gaseous ammonia. Recently, research into using biochar to lessen NH3 emissions from agricultural land has taken center stage and several studies have been executed in that regard. However, biochar’s capacity to reduce emissions of gaseous NH3 from applied nitrogen fertilizers is affected by both soil and biochar properties. While the effects of soil properties on NH3 volatilizations have been widely studied, the data concerning the effects of biochar properties on NH3 volatilizations from the soil are still scanty. It is against this backdrop that this study examined the effects of biochar pH on emissions of NH3 from the soil amended with varying quantities of nitrogen, as well as the impact on the growth and productivity of Chinese cabbage. To achieve the study objectives, acidic (pH 5.7), neutral (pH 6.7) and alkaline (pH 11.0) biochars were used and each was added to the soil at a rate of 1% (w/w). Nitrogen fertilizers were applied at three rates of 160, 320, 640 kg ha−1. In comparison with the control, the acidic, neutral and alkaline biochar amendments reduced NH3 emissions by up to 18%, 20% and 15%, respectively. However, only neutral biochar produced higher Chinese cabbage yields than the urea-only amendment and the Chinese cabbage yields increased with the increasing rates of nitrogen applied. Combined applications of neutral biochar and 640 kg/ha of nitrogen are recommended for optimal cabbage yields and low NH3 emissions.