Short-term effects of soil texture, biochar, manure, and tillage practices on warm-climate forage yields and nutrient content

Abstract

Background: Biochar (BC) amendment to soils can affect crop yields negatively, especially during the first season following application, by binding essential nutrients; however, little data exist on its effects on warm-climate forage yields and nutritive values. We determined the effects of BC (0, 5, 10 Mg DM ha⁻¹), dairy manure (0 and 10 Mg DM ha⁻¹), soil type (loamy sand, sandy loam, clay loam), and tillage practices (till [incorporation of soil amendments with tillage] vs. no till [soil amendments surface application]) on the nutrient profile and dry matter yield (DMY) of Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.), maize (Zea mays L.), and sorghum-Sudan (Sorghum drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) Millsp. & Chase).

Methods: Bermudagrass was harvested at the boot stage, sorghum-Sudan when the canopy reached 90% light interception, and the maize 90–120 days after planting as silage. Samples were dried and analyzed for nutrients and DMY.

Results: BC and manure application were not detrimental to forage production or nutritive value to cattle in the first growing season.

Conclusions: Effects varied across tillage and soil type; thus, it is essential to consider soil texture and nutrient makeup before choosing the proper tillage and amendments. Longer study periods may produce different results since, over time, BC can act as a slow-release source of nutrients.

Keywords

biochar / Cynodon dactylon / dairy manure / nutrient uptake / soil texture / Sorghum drummondii / tillage / Zea mays

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