Changes in the Mineral Content of Soil following the Application of Different Organic Matter Sources

A study conducted over three consecutive years examined the effects of using biochar, organic fertilizer and microorganisms on soil pH and the concentrations of macro and microelements in the soil. A tendency to increase soil pH was seen where biochar was used. The highest concentration of phosphorus was found in the soil after the application of organic fertilizer with the addition of microorganisms. The most potassium was found in the soil treated with biochar together with organic fertilizer, while the most magnesium was in the soil fertilized with organic fertilizer alone and organic fertilizer together with microorganisms. All the fertilization combinations resulted in an increase in boron and copper levels in the soil. The accumulation of iron in the soil was promoted by organic fertilization alone and organic fertilization together with microorganisms. The highest amount of manganese in the soil was found after fertilization with biochar together with organic fertilizer. In the combination where organic fertilizer was applied, the soil contained the most sodium, while the highest zinc content was found in the soil fertilized with biochar and organic fertilizer. The greatest increase in the carbon content in the soil occurred after the use of biochar together with microorganisms and biochar with organic fertilizer. The same treatments also resulted in the highest amount of organic matter. The study shows that the use of biochar, organic fertilization and the combined use of biochar and organic fertilization improved the quality of the soil.

Automated summary

A three-year study investigated the effects of biochar, organic fertilizer, and microorganisms on soil properties. Biochar increased soil pH, while the application of organic fertilizer with microorganisms resulted in the highest phosphorus concentration. The combination of biochar and organic fertilizer led to the highest potassium content, while organic fertilizer alone and organic fertilizer with microorganisms favored magnesium accumulation. All fertilization combinations increased boron and copper levels. Iron accumulation was promoted by organic fertilizer alone and with microorganisms. Manganese content was highest with biochar and organic fertilizer. Sodium content was highest with organic fertilizer, and zinc content was highest with biochar and organic fertilizer. Biochar with microorganisms and organic fertilizer enhanced carbon and organic matter content. Overall, the study highlights the positive impact of biochar, organic fertilization, and their combination on soil quality.