Evaluation of Biochar Amendment Impact on Soil Water Content Changes in Field Conditions according to the Soil Hydrolimits

摘要

This paper is focused on quantification of soil water content and soil water retention capacity changes after biochar amendment in amount of 20 t ha-1 in the agriculturally used soil. The changes were analysed according to soil hydrolimits wilting point (θWP) and field capacity (θFC), which were determined for the research site. Presented results were obtained in the year 2015 when maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) was sown. Soil water content was measured with 5TM sensors. They were installed in 5-10 cm depth below the surface from August to October 2015. Based on the previous scientific studies we had expected higher values of soil water content and available soil water retention capacity at plot with biochar amendment. Achieved results were different. Measured values of soil water content were higher at Control plot and were dominantly affected by precipitation events. In addition, soil water content decreased below θWP at both plots during the almost whole monitoring period.