Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the impact of different biochar (BCH) applications (0%, 10%, 20%, and 50%, v/v) on soil respiration in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. The experiment was conducted over four months during summer 2023. Results revealed that BCH applications did not significantly affect overall soil respiration. On the other hand, soil respiration was positively influenced by soil temperature and soil moisture, the latter only for the 10% and 20% BCH amendments. At higher BCH concentrations (50%), soil respiration was not enhanced by moisture, probably due to soil water saturation and reduced oxygen availability. In conclusion, it appears that BCH does not directly stimulate soil respiration in field conditions, although specific concentrations may improve soil carbon sequestration. These findings highlight the potential for BCH amendments to be employed as a climate-smart forestry strategy in support of carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability in temperate forest ecosystems.
Source: Forests
DOI: 10.3390/f16050837
Authors: Andrea Vannini, Debora Tarasconi, Filippo Grillo, T’ai Gladys Whittingham Forte, Michele Carbognani, Alessandro Petraglia
Institution: University of Parma
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4410518690