Effects of bamboo biochar application on global warming in paddy fields in Ehime prefecture, Southern Japan

Abstract

Biochar application can reduce global warming via carbon (C) sequestration in soils. However, there are few studies investigating its effects on greenhouse gases in rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddy fields throughout the year. In this study, a year-round field experiment was performed in rice paddy fields to investigate the effects of biochar application on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and C budget. The study was conducted on three rice paddy fields in Ehime prefecture, Japan, for 2 years. Control (Co) and biochar (B) treatments, in which 2-cm size bamboo biochar (2 Mg ha−1) was applied, were set up in the first year. CH4 and N2O emissions and heterotrophic respiration (Rh) were measured using a closed-chamber method. In the fallow season, the mean N2O emission during the experimental period was significantly lower in B (67 g N ha−1) than Co (147 g N ha−1). However, the mean CH4 emission was slightly higher in B (2.3 kg C ha−1) than Co (1.2 kg C ha−1) in fallow season. The water-filled pore space increased more during the fallow season in B than Co. In B, soil was reduced more than in Co due to increasing soil moisture, which decreased N2O and increased CH4 emissions in the fallow season. In the rice-growing season, the mean N2O emission tended to be lower in B (−104 g N ha−1) than Co (−13 g N ha−1), while mean CH4 emission was similar between B (183 kg C ha−1) and Co (173 kg C ha−1). Due to the C release from applied biochar and soil organic C in the first year, Rh in B was higher than that in Co. The net greenhouse gas emission for 2 years considering biochar C, plant residue C, CH4 and N2O emissions, and Rh was lower in B (5.53 Mg CO2eq ha−1) than Co (11.1 Mg CO2eq ha−1). Biochar application worked for C accumulation, increasing plant residue C input, and mitigating N2O emission by improving soil environmental conditions. This suggests that bamboo biochar application in paddy fields could aid in mitigating global warming.