A preliminary investigation on bacterial diversity and fermentation quality of high-moisture alfalfa silage prepared with biochar

Abstract

The fermentation quality of alfalfa silage is poor but can be improved with additives. This study investigates the effects of biochar on the fermentation quality and bacterial diversity of high-moisture alfalfa silage. Alfalfa was treated with: (i) control without additive (CK); (ii) 1% biochar (1% carbon C); (iii) 2% biochar (2% C), and fermented for 15 or 30 d. Mixing alfalfa with biochar significantly decreased (p < 0.05) pH, the number of coliform bacteria, nonprotein nitrogen content, and ammonia–nitrogen content, and significantly increased the contents of dry matter, lactic acid, and true protein. The addition of biochar also influenced bacterial community distribution. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Enterococcus increased while the abundance of Pantoea decreased with biochar treatment. In conclusion, alfalfa silage’s fermentation quality and microbial community structure are improved by adding biochar from the pyrolysis of waste furniture.