Scientific publications

The separate and combined effects of biochar and fertilizers in soddy-podzolic sandy and clay loam soils on their basic agrochemical properties, as well as on the growth and development of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) v. Yaromir were studied in a shortterm pot experiment. Wood biochar fractions 3–5 and ≤ 2 mm in 5% dosage (by weight of soil) were used in the experiment. The fertilizers were NPK 16:16:16 and Azotovit, containing living cells and spores of Azotobacter chroococcum bacteria. Studies have shown that the addition of wood biochar to soddy-podzolic sandy soil causes an increase in pH, available potassium and phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, as well as enhances barley length growth, increases the aboveground biomass and protein content in it. The ≤ 2 mm biochar applied together with NPK pronounced a synergistic effect on almost all parameters. The biochar fraction 3–5 mm together with Azotobacter caused an increase of nitrate nitrogen in the soil and raw protein in barley aboveground biomass. Application of biochar to soddy-podzolic clay loam soil, despite an increase in pH and available potassium and phosphorus, led to a reduction in nitrate nitrogen content, slowed down the growth and development of barley plants, and reduced protein content in them. Apparently, the use of biochar on fine textured soils can create the conditions conducive to denitrification. In the experiment in general, we observed an increase in the content of mineral nitrogen in the treatments with biochar and NPK. Hence, in the presence of an additional source of nitrogen, biochar undergoes intensified mineralization.