Rodriguez Torres, Paola Marie

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    Evaluation of activated biochar versus organic amendments in an Oxisol (Dagüey series) of Puerto Rico and their effect on soil health and growth of Phaseolus vulgaris
    (2022-05-19) Rodriguez Torres, Paola Marie; Sánchez de León, Yaniria; College of Agricultural Sciences; Sanfiorenzo Gil De Lamadrid, André R.; Dumas, José A.; Department of Crops and Agro-Environmental Sciences; Zapata Medina, Rocio
    Soil organic amendments have been wieldy used to restore soil health. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the short-term effects of three organic amendments (compost, compost tea and active biochar), on a tropical soil (Dagüey series) planted with white bean seeds. The study had four treatments (i.e. control, compost, active biochar and compost tea) and followed a completely randomized design with four replicates. Changes in soil properties and plant growth were measured at the beginning of the experiment and at the end of the white bean life cycle (90 days). Short term effects on soil health was evaluated analyzing selected chemical, physical and biological properties. Plant growth was analyzed using the aboveground biomass and root biomass. Immediately after the addition of organic amendments soil pH was directly affected. The addition of active biochar showed a significant increase in soil pH after 90 days. However, compost tea addition showed a significant reduction in soil pH because of amendment components. Results of microbial biomass and composition showed that changes on biological properties are directly related to changes in soil pH. A significant reduction in microbial biomass was observed after the addition of organic amendments. Compost tea treatment resulted in reducing overall microbial biomass, which was directly related to a decrease in soil pH. For plant growth, no significant differences among treatments were observed. Testing on the 90-day period showed significant difference in soil properties only. Amendments like biochar can increase soil pH immediately, presenting a new alternative to neutralize pH in tropical acidic soils.