The Effects of Biochar-based Fertilizer on the Physical Stability of Organic Carbon in Soil Aggregates of Tea Gardens

CHEN Junrui; HU Junming; SHI Yuanzhi; WEI Xianghua; SONG Chuankui; ZHANG Junhui; ZHENG Fuhai; SUO Guangli

doi:10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.05.011

PDF(1059 KB)

Journal of Tea Science ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (5) : 865-878. DOI: 10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.05.011

Research Paper

The Effects of Biochar-based Fertilizer on the Physical Stability of Organic Carbon in Soil Aggregates of Tea Gardens

CHEN Junrui^1,2, HU Junming^1,*, SHI Yuanzhi³, WEI Xianghua², SONG Chuankui⁴, ZHANG Junhui¹, ZHENG Fuhai¹, SUO Guangli^1,2

Author information +

History +

Abstract

Soil aggregate is an important indicator of soil structure and fertility. Soil compaction and nutrient deficiency in tea gardens in subtropical red soil areas seriously affect the stability of soil carbon pools. Evaluating the effects of biochar-based fertilizer application on the organic carbon structure characteristics and physical stability of soil aggregates in tea gardens can help to reduce soil barriers and improve productivity in intensive tea gardens. In this study, a 40-year old Xishan tea garden in Guiping, Guangxi, located along the Tropic of Cancer, was selected as the research object. Three treatments [biochar-based fertilizer (BF), chemical fertilizer (F), and no fertilizer (CK)] were used for a field positioning test for two consecutive years to explore the soil aggregate structure, organic carbon distribution and physical stability of the tea garden. The results show that: (1) the application of biochar-based fertilizer increased soil pH value and cation exchange capacity (C_EC), and tended to decrease soil bulk density (B_D). The soil pH value under the treatment of biochar-based fertilizer increased by 0.18 and 0.31 respectively compared with the no fertilizer and chemical fertilizer treatments. The soil bulk density under the biochar-based fertilizer treatment decreased by 4.52% compared with the chemical fertilizer treatment. The cation exchange capacity under the biochar-based fertilizer treatment increased by 12.12% and 15.09% respectively compared with the no fertilizer and chemical fertilizer treatments. (2) The application of biochar-based fertilizer improved the structural stability of soil aggregates and promoted the formation of large aggregates with soil water stability. The values of water stability large aggregates (R_W0.25), mean mass diameter (D_MW) and geometric mean diameter (D_GM) of aggregates >0.25 mm under the biochar-based fertilizer treatment were increased by 15.34%, 23.94% and 34.48% compared with the chemical fertilizer treatment. (3) The application of biochar-based fertilizer increased the organic carbon content of soil macroaggregates, which was conducive to the storage of organic carbon in soil macroaggregates. The organic carbon content of the aggregate with particle size >2.00 mm under the biochar-based fertilizer treatment was significantly higher than that under the chemical fertilizer and no fertilizer treatments, increasing by 45.23% and 17.28%, respectively. The contribution rate of organic carbon in biochar-based fertilizer was 77.48% and 13.11% higher than that of chemical fertilizer and no fertilizer, respectively. The contribution rate of active organic carbon in aggregates under biochar-based fertilizer treatment was 50.40% higher than that under chemical fertilizer treatment. (4) The application of biochar-based fertilizer improved the stability of organic carbon in microaggregates. For aggregates with a particle size of >0.053-0.25 mm and ≤0.053 mm, the organic carbon oxidation stability coefficient (K_OS) under biochar-based fertilizer treatment increased by 82.42% and 77.78%, respectively, compared with that under no fertilizer treatment. For aggregates with particle size of >0.25-2.00 mm, the organic carbon oxidation stability coefficient under biochar-based fertilizer treatment decreased by 40.79% and 49.58%, respectively, compared to the chemical fertilizer and no fertilizer treatments. Biochar-based fertilizer treatment had a tendency to reduce the stability of organic carbon in large soil aggregates. The application of biochar-based fertilizer is conducive to the optimized management and carbon pool stability of tea gardens.

Key words

biochar-based fertilizer / carbon sequestration in tea garden / soil aggregate / soil organic carbon

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

CHEN Junrui, HU Junming, SHI Yuanzhi, WEI Xianghua, SONG Chuankui, ZHANG Junhui, ZHENG Fuhai, SUO Guangli. The Effects of Biochar-based Fertilizer on the Physical Stability of Organic Carbon in Soil Aggregates of Tea Gardens[J]. Journal of Tea Science. 2025, 45(5): 865-878 https://doi.org/10.13305/j.cnki.jts.2025.05.011

References

[1] Six J, Frey S D, Thiet R K, et al.Bacterial and fungal contributions to carbon sequestration in agroecosystems[J]. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2006, 70(2): 555-569.
[2] Liu Y L, Zhang M, Xiong H, et al.Influence of long-term fertilization on soil aggregates stability and organic carbon occurrence characteristics in karst yellow soil of Southwest China[J]. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2023, 14: 1126150. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1126150.
[3] 王义祥, 黄家庆, 叶菁, 等. 生物炭对酸化茶园土壤性状和真菌群落结构的影响[J]. 茶叶科学, 2021, 41(3): 419-429.
Wang Y X, Huang J Q, Ye J, et al.Effects of biochar application on soil properties and fungi community structure in acidified tea gardens[J]. Journal of Tea Science, 2021, 41(3): 419-429.
[4] 李昌娟, 杨文浩, 周碧青, 等. 生物炭基肥对酸化茶园土壤养分及茶叶产质量的影响[J]. 土壤通报, 2021, 52(2): 387-397.
Li C J, Yang W H, Zhou B Q, et al.Effects of biochar based fertilizer on soil nutrients, tea output and quality in an acidified tea field[J]. Chinese Journal of Soil Science, 2021, 52(2): 387-397
[5] Yang X D, Ni K, Shi Y Z, et al.Effects of long-term nitrogen application on soil acidification and solution chemistry of a tea plantation in China[J]. Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2018, 252: 74-82. doi.10.1016/j.agee.2017.10.004.
[6] 麻万诸, 朱康莹, 卓志清. 酸化对茶园土壤矿物转变及供钾能力的影响[J]. 茶叶科学, 2023, 43(1): 17-26.
Ma W Z, Zhu K Y, Zhuo Z Q.Effects of acidification on mineral transformation and potassium supply capacity of tea garden soils[J]. Journal of Tea Science, 2023, 43(1): 17-26.
[7] 潘根兴, 周萍, 李恋卿, 等. 固碳土壤学的核心科学问题与研究进展[J]. 土壤学报, 2007(2): 327-337.
Pan G X, Zhou P, Li L Q, et al.Core issues and research progresses of soil science of C sequestration[J]. Acta Pedologica Sinica, 2007(2): 327-337.
[8] Chaplot V, Cooper M. Soil aggregate stability to predict organic carbon outputs from soils [J]. Geoderma, 2015, 243/244: 205-213. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.12.013.
[9] Bimüller C, Kreyling O, Kölbl A, et al.Carbon and nitrogen mineralization in hierarchically structured aggregates of different size[J]. Soil & Tillage Research, 2016, 160: 23-33. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2015.12.011.
[10] 李露露, 李婷, 郎山鑫, 等. 植茶年限降低土壤团聚体稳定性并促进大团聚体中钾素释放[J]. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2020, 26(7): 1188-1197.
Li L L, Li T, Lang S X, et al.Tea plantation ages decrease the stability of soil aggregates and increase the release of potassium from large aggregates[J]. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, 2020, 26(7): 1188-1197.
[11] 朱仁欢, 郑子成, 李廷轩, 等. 植茶年限对土壤水稳性团聚体腐殖质组分特征的影响[J]. 环境科学研究, 2018, 31(6): 1096-1104.
Zhu R H, Zheng Z C, Li T X, et al.Effect of tea plantation age on humus fractions in soil water-stable aggregates[J]. Research of Environmental Sciences, 2018, 31(6): 1096-1104.
[12] 钦洁, 翟瑞宁, 李宇翔, 等. 广西茶产业转型路径探讨与融合发展[J]. 湖北农业科学, 2022, 61(13): 113-119.
Qin J, Zhai R N, Li Y X, et al.Discussion on transformation path and integrated development of tea industry in Guangxi[J]. Hubei Agricultural Sciences, 2022, 61(13): 113-119.
[13] Mao L, Ye S M, Wang S Q.Soil nutrient contents and stoichiometry within aggregate size classes varied with tea plantation age and soil depth in southern Guangxi in China[J]. Soil, 2022, 8(2): 487-505.
[14] Wang C Q, Luo D, Zhang X, et al.Biochar-based slow-release of fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: a mini review[J]. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 2022, 10: 100167. doi: 10.1016/j.ese.2022.100167.
[15] 索广利. 茶园炭基肥应用及前景分析研究[D]. 南宁: 广西大学, 2023.
Suo G L.Application and prospect analysis of charcoal-based fertilizer in tea garden [D]. Nanning: Guangxi University, 2023.
[16] Six J, Elliott E T, Paustian K, et al.Aggregation and soil organic matter accumulation in cultivated and native grassland soils[J]. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 1998, 62(5): 1367-1377.
[17] 鲍士旦. 土壤农化分析[M]. 北京: 中国农业出版社, 2000: 25-38.
Bao S D.Agrochemical analysis of soil [M]. Beijing: China Agriculture Press, 2000: 25-38.
[18] Wang J, Xie H, Zhu P, et al.Cannotation and modern analysis method for active soil organic matter (carbon)[J]. Chinese Journal of Ecology, 2003, 22(6): 109-112.
[19] 徐国鑫, 王子芳, 高明, 等. 秸秆与生物炭还田对土壤团聚体及固碳特征的影响[J]. 环境科学, 2018, 39(1): 355-362.
Xu G X, Wang Z F, Gao M, et al.Effects of straw and biochar return in soil on soil aggregate and carbon sequestration[J]. Environmental Science, 2018, 39(1): 355-362.
[20] 李辉信, 袁颖红, 黄欠如, 等. 长期施肥对红壤性水稻土团聚体活性有机碳的影响[J]. 土壤学报, 2008(2): 259-266.
Li H X, Yuan Y H, Huang Q R, et al.Effects of long-term fertilization on labile organic carbon in soil aggregates in red paddy soil[J]. Acta Pedologica Sinica, 2008(2): 259-266.
[21] 张琦, 王淑兰, 王浩, 等. 深松与免耕频次对黄土旱塬春玉米田土壤团聚体与土壤碳库的影响[J]. 中国农业科学, 2020, 53(14): 2840-2851.
Zhang Q, Wang S L, Wang H, et al.Effects of subsoiling and no-tillage frequencies on soil aggregates and carbon pools in the loess plateau[J]. Scientia Agricultura Sinica, 2020, 53(14): 2840-2851.
[22] Zhao Y K, Wang H, Chen X W, et al.Effect of rainfall on soil aggregate breakdown and transportation on cultivated land in the black soil region of northeast China[J]. Sustainability, 2022, 14(17): 11028. doi: 10.3390/su141711028.
[23] Zhang Y, Li P, Liu X J, et al.Effects of farmland conversion on the stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soil aggregates on the Loess Plateau of China[J]. Geoderma, 2019, 351: 188-196. doi: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.05.037.
[24] 袁可能. 土壤有机矿质复合体研究Ⅰ. 土壤有机矿质复合体中腐殖质氧化稳定性的初步研究[J]. 土壤学报, 1963(3): 286-293.
Yuan K N.Studies on the organo-mineral complex in soil Ⅰ. The oxidation stability of humus from different organo-mineral complexes in soil[J]. Acta Pedologica Sinica, 1963(3): 286-293.
[25] 陈玉真, 王峰, 吴志丹, 等. 化肥减施对乌龙茶产量、品质和肥料利用率及经济效益的影响[J]. 茶叶科学, 2020, 40(6): 758-770.
Chen Y Z, Wang F, Wu Z D, et al.Effects of chemical fertilizer reduction on yield, quality, fertilizer utilization efficiency and economic benefit of Oolong tea[J]. Journal of Tea Science, 2020, 40(6): 758-770.
[26] 钱莲文, 余甜甜, 梁旭军, 等. 茶园土壤酸化改良中生物炭应用5a后的稳定性研究[J]. 生态环境学报, 2022, 31(7): 1442-1447.
Qian L W, Yu T T, Liang X J, et al.Stability of biochar after application for 5 years in the amendment of acidified tea garden soil[J]. Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2022, 31(7): 1442-1447.
[27] 胡天睿, 蔡泽江, 王伯仁, 等. 有机肥替代化学氮肥提升红壤抗酸化能力[J]. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2022, 28(11): 2052-2059.
Hu T R, Cai Z J, Wang B R, et al.Swine manure as part of the total N source improves red soil resistance to acidification[J]. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, 2022, 28(11): 2052-2059.
[28] 颜鹏, 韩文炎, 李鑫, 等. 中国茶园土壤酸化现状与分析[J]. 中国农业科学, 2020, 53(4): 795-813.
Yan P, Han W Y, Li X, et al.Present situation and analysis of soil acidification in Chinese tea garden[J]. Scientia Agricultura Sinica, 2020, 53(4): 795-813.
[29] Wang S Q, Li T X, Zheng Z C.Distribution of microbial biomass and activity within soil aggregates as affected by tea plantation age[J]. Catena, 2017, 153: 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2017.01.029.
[30] Li G F, Li H, Yi X Y, et al.Effects of fertilization regimes on soil organic carbon fractions and its mineralization in tea gardens[J]. Agronomy, 2022, 12(10): 2522. doi: 10.3390/agronomy12102522.
[31] Keith A, Singh B, Singh B P.Interactive priming of biochar and labile organic matter mineralization in a smectite-rich soil[J]. Environmental Science & Technology, 2011, 45(22): 9611-9618.
[32] Zong Y T, Lu S G.Does long-term inorganic and organic fertilization affect soil structural and mechanical physical quality of paddy soil?[J]. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 2020, 66(5): 625-637.
[33] 葛茂泉, 王纯, 许宏达, 等. 福鼎茶园土壤团聚体有机碳分布与分子结构特征[J]. 水土保持学报, 2023, 37(6): 201-208.
Ge M Q, Wang C, Xu H D, et al.Organic carbon distribution and molecular structure characteristics of soil aggregates in fuding tea garden[J]. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2023, 37(6): 201-208.
[34] 郑子成, 刘敏英, 李廷轩. 不同植茶年限土壤团聚体有机碳的分布特征[J]. 中国农业科学, 2013, 46(9): 1827-1836.
Zheng Z C, Liu M Y, Li T X.Distribution characteristics of organic carbon fractions in soil aggregates under tea plantation of different ages[J]. Scientia Agricultura Sinica, 2013, 46(9): 1827-1836.
[35] 李玮, 郑子成, 李廷轩, 等. 不同植茶年限土壤团聚体及其有机碳分布特征[J]. 生态学报, 2014, 34(21): 6326-6336.
Li W, Zheng Z C, Li T X, et al.Distribution characteristics of soil aggregates and its organic carbon in different tea plantation age[J]. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2014, 34(21): 6326-6336.
[36] 刘亚龙, 王萍, 汪景宽. 土壤团聚体的形成和稳定机制: 研究进展与展望[J]. 土壤学报, 2023, 60(3): 627-643.
Liu Y L, Wang P, Wang J K.Formation and stability mechanism of soil aggregates: progress and prospect[J]. Acta Pedologica Sinica, 2023, 60(3): 627-643.
[37] 李越, 徐曼, 谢永红, 等. 不同改良剂对酸性紫色土团聚体和有机碳的影响[J]. 环境科学, 2024, 45(2): 974-982.
Li Y, Xu M, Xie Y H, et al.Effects of different modifiers on aggregates and organic carbon in acidic purple soil[J]. Environmental Science, 2024, 45(2): 974-982.
[38] Du L, Zheng Z C, Li T X, et al.Aggregate-associated carbon compositions explain the variation of carbon sequestration in soils after long-term planting of different tea varieties[J]. Science of the Total Environment, 2023, 856: 159227. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159227.
[39] Puget P, Chenu C, Balesdent J.Dynamics of soil organic matter associated with particle-size fractions of water-stable aggregates[J]. European Journal of Soil Science, 2000, 51(4): 595-605.
[40] 张国, 曹志平, 胡婵娟. 土壤有机碳分组方法及其在农田生态系统研究中的应用[J]. 应用生态学报, 2011, 22(7): 1921-1930.
Zhang G, Cao Z P, Hu C J.Soil organic carbon fractionation methods and their applications in farmland ecosystem research: a review[J]. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2011, 22(7): 1921-1930.
[41] Sollins P, Homann P, Caldwell B A.Stabilization and destabilization of soil organic matter: mechanisms and controls[J]. Geoderma, 1996, 74(1/2): 65-105.
[42] Von Lützow M, Kögel-Knabner I, Ekschmitt K, et al.Stabilization of organic matter in temperate soils: mechanisms and their relevance under different soil conditions: a review[J]. European Journal of Soil Science, 2006, 57(4): 426-445.
[43] 李婷, 赵世伟, 李晓晓, 等. 宁南山区不同年限苜蓿地土壤有机质官能团特征[J]. 应用生态学报, 2012, 23(12): 3266-3272.
Li T, Zhao S W, Li X X, et al.Characters of soil organic matter functional groups in the fields planted with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) for different years in hilly regions of south Ningxia, Northwest China[J]. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2012, 23(12): 3266-3272.
[44] Yang W H, Li C J, Wang S S, et al.Influence of biochar and biochar-based fertilizer on yield, quality of tea and microbial community in an acid tea orchard soil[J]. Applied Soil Ecology, 2021, 166: 104005. doi: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2021.104005.
[45] 王月玲, 周凤, 张帆, 等. 施用生物炭对土壤呼吸以及土壤有机碳组分的影响[J]. 环境科学研究, 2017, 30(6): 920-928.
Wang Y L, Zhou F, Zhang F, et al.Influence of biochar on soil respiration and soil organic carbon fractions[J]. Research of Environmental Sciences, 2017, 30(6): 920-928.
[46] Tian S Y, Zhu B J, Yin R, et al.Organic fertilization promotes crop productivity through changes in soil aggregation[J]. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 2022, 165: 108533. doi: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2021.108533.
[47] Yan T T, Xue J H, Zhou Z D, et al.Effects of biochar-based fertilizer on soil bacterial network structure in a karst mountainous area[J]. Catena, 2021, 206: 105535. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2021.105535.
[48] Panchal P, Preece C, Peñuelas J, et al.Soil carbon sequestration by root exudates[J]. Trends in Plant Science, 2022, 27(8): 749-757.
[49] Jiang R, Wang M E, Chen W P, et al.Changes in the integrated functional stability of microbial community under chemical stresses and the impacting factors in field soils[J]. Ecological Indicators, 2020, 110: 105919. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105919.
[50] Dong N G, Hu G L, Zhang Y Q, et al.Effects of green-manure and tillage management on soil microbial community composition, nutrients and tree growth in a walnut orchard[J]. Scientific Reports, 2021, 11(1): 16882. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-96472-8.
[51] Nwachukwu B C, Ayangbenro A S, Babalola O O.Elucidating the rhizosphere associated bacteria for environmental sustainability[J]. Agriculture, 2021, 11(1): 75. doi: 10.3390/agriculture11010075.
[52] Deng F B, Liang C.Revisiting the quantitative contribution of microbial necromass to soil carbon pool: Stoichiometric control by microbes and soil[J]. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 2022, 165: 108486. doi: doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2021.108486.
[53] 张毅, 杨文浩, 周碧青, 等. 炭基肥对酸化茶园土壤细菌和真菌数量及群落结构的影响[J]. 福建农林大学学报(自然科学版), 2023, 52(2): 247-257.
Zhang Y, Yang W H, Zhou B Q, et al.Effect of biochar-based fertilizer on soil bacteria and fungi quantity and community structure in acidified tea garden[J]. Journal of Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (Natural Science Edition), 2023, 52(2): 247-257.
[54] 赵锦, 付静, 刘宁宁, 等. 茶树施肥研究进展[J]. 中国土壤与肥料, 2023(3): 226-235.
Zhao J, Fu J, Liu N N, et al.Research status and prospects of fertilization in tea plants[J]. Soil and Fertilizer Sciences in China, 2023(3): 226-235.
[55] 范晓晖, 陈慕松, 刘文婷, 等. 茶园土壤质量现状及改良措施研究进展[J]. 中国茶叶, 2023, 45(4): 19-24.
Fan X H, Chen M S, Liu W T, et al.Research progress on soil quality and improvement measures in tea gardens[J]. China Tea, 2023, 45(4): 19-24.
[56] Oh K, Kato T, Li Z P, et al.Environmental problems from tea cultivation in Japan and a control measure using calcium cyanamide[J]. Pedosphere, 2006, 16(6): 770-777.
[57] Li Y C, Li Z, Li Z W, et al.Variations of rhizosphere bacterial communities in tea continuous cropping soil by high-throughput pyrosequencing approach[J]. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 2016, 121(3): 787-799.
[58] 倪康, 廖万有, 伊晓云, 等. 我国茶园施肥现状与减施潜力分析[J]. 植物营养与肥料学报, 2019, 25(3): 421-432.
Ni K, Liao W Y, Yi X Y, et al.Fertilization status and reduction potential in tea gardens of China[J]. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Fertilizers, 2019, 25(3): 421-432.
[59] 阮建云, 马立锋, 伊晓云, 等. 茶树养分综合管理与减肥增效技术研究[J]. 茶叶科学, 2020, 40(1): 85-95.
Ruan J Y, Ma L F, Yi X Y, et al.Integrated nutrient management in tea plantation to reduce chemical fertilizer and increase nutrient use efficiency[J]. Journal of Tea Science, 2020, 40(1): 85-95.
[60] 韩文炎, 李强. 茶园施肥现状与无公害茶园高效施肥技术[J]. 中国茶叶, 2002, 24(6): 29-31.
Han W Y, Li Q.Fertilization status of tea garden and efficient fertilization technology of pollution-free tea garden[J]. China Tea, 2002, 24(6): 29-31.