Optimizing biochar addition for vermicomposting: a comprehensive evaluation of earthworms’ activity, N₂O emissions and compost quality

Highlights

•	Cattle dung can be effectively managed through vermicomposting
•	Biochar showed both positive and negative effects on earthworms’ performance
•	5% biochar addition promoted compost quality by stimulating earthworms’ activity
•	Higher doses of biochar were not suitable for vermicomposting
•	Available N and functional genes drove compost quality and N2O emissions
•	Biochar increased AOB but decreased nirS gene numbers in fresh cast of earthworms

Abstract

Biochar addition has been widely used in the field to mitigate soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, and can be considered as a potential method to reduce N₂O emissions during vermicomposting. However, excessive biochar addition may inhibit earthworms’ activity. Thus, it is crucial to clarify the optimum addition volumes of biochar during vermicomposting. This study evaluated the impact of addition of various amounts of biochar (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% of total amount of feedstock) on earthworms’ (Eiseniafetida) activity, N₂O emission and compost quality during vermicomposting. Compared with the treatment without biochar added, 5% of biochar application significantly increased earthworm total biomass (from 177.5 to 202.2 g pot⁻¹), and cumulative burrowing activity (from 47.0% to 52.2% pixel per terrarium). The increased earthworms activity stimulated the vermicomposting process and led to the best quality of compost, which showed the highest total nutrient content (5.38%) and a significantly higher germination percentage of seeds (88%). Although N₂O emissions were slightly increased by 5% biochar addition, a non-significant difference was found between the treatment with 5% biochar and the treatment without biochar added. On the contrary, 20% and 25% biochar addition not only lowered N₂O emissions, but also significantly decreased the quality of compost. The results suggest that 5% biochar application is an appropriate amount to improve the quality of compost without significant N₂O emissions.

Funding

Major Science and Technology Program of Hainan Province(ZDKJ2021009); National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171638); Yunan Science and Technology Talents and Platform Program(202205AF150004)