Effect of biochar on nitrate and ammonium retention in paddy soil columns

Abstract

Paddy cultivation occupies a prominent place in the agriculture sector in Asia, which relies on the intense use of nitrogen fertilizers. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture over years results in several ecological disorders principally nitrogen leaching, eutrophication, and global warming. Nitrogen leaching has been a potential source of water pollution both surface and groundwater further, remains a major constraint in nutrient utilization. This study intended to assess the effect of biochar, a potential organic soil amendment on nitrate and ammonium ion retention on paddy lands; with the objectives of determining the nitrogen loss by leaching in paddy soils at different biochar levels under constant nitrogen fertilizer application.