Biochar Source and Application Rate Effects on Soil Water Retention Determined Using Wetting Curves

Abstract

Biochar is a stable carbon substance produced by the pyrolysis of biomass and used as a soil amendment. Biochar application to soil has resulted in agronomic benefits, including improved water-holding capacity. However, limited studies exist quantifying different biochars’ roles in soil water retention, especially when the soil is drier than field capacity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of poultry litter and woodchip biochars, applied at various rates (i.e., 0, 5, and 10 Mg∙ha−1 incorporated to a depth of 10 cm) to a loam soil, on the relationship between soil water potential and water content across a wide range of moisture conditions.