Synthesis of a stable magnesium-impregnated biochar and its reduction of phosphorus leaching from soil

Biochar improves soil fertility and promotes long-term terrestrial carbon sequestration. However, bio-char seems not to be stable enough due to physical, chemical and biological reactions. In this study, a novel, stable, and magnesium (Mg)-impregnated biochar was prepared from cow dung and applied to decrease P leaching from soil. XPS, FTIR, XRD, SEM and EDS were used to evaluate the effect of modification and phosphorus(P) sorption on the oxidation resistance of biochar. The results showed that the oxidation resistance of the Mg-impregnated biochar was improved by the formation of MgO on its surface. The soil column experiment indicated that the Mg-impregnated-biochar decreased Piloss from leaching by 89.25%. In addition, the available P content of the soil surface layer under Mg-impregnated biochar treatment increased by 3.5-fold relative to that under the control treatment. P sorption also enhanced the oxidation resistance of biochar. The relative contents of C-O, C=O, and COOH on the surface of P-laden biochar was 20.97% and was lower than those on the surface of biochar without P sorption (33.15%). Oxidation resistance was enhanced by the formation of new Mg-P crystls, which prevented the oxidation of C-C, C=C, and C-H into C-O, C=O, and COOH, respectively, by acting as a physical barrier between the biochar surface and oxygen. The results of XRD, SEM and EDS provided evidence for the formation of Mg-P crystals. Overall, results indicated that the Mg-impregnated biochar can reduce P leaching loss from soil and has enhanced stability. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.