Comparative effects of two types of biochar on leachate quality, cations leaching coefficient, and chemical properties of a calcareous saline-sodic soil

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.

2 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.

3 Associate Prof., Dept. of Soil Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Organic amendments are widely recognized as effective strategies for the reclamation of saline-sodic soils. This study evaluated the effects of two types of biochar, produced from sugarcane bagasse (SB) and walnut shells (WB), on leachate quality, cation leaching coefficient, and chemical properties of a calcareous silty clay saline-sodic soil after five leaching cycles. The experiment was conducted using leaching column under controlled laboratory conditions at Malayer University, Iran.

Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Soil columns were amended with SB and WB at rates of 1%, 2%, and 4% (w/w), along with unamended control soil. A gypsum pulse (2 g L⁻¹) equivalent to one pore volume was initially applied, followed by one week of incubation at 25 ± 2 °C. Thereafter, columns were leached monthly with one pore volume of distilled water for five consecutive months. The concentrations of Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺, as well as pH, EC, and SAR in the leachates, were measured. Additionally, at the end of the leaching period, selected chemical properties of the leached soils were analyzed.

Results Leaching time significantly affected pH, and the interaction between biochar type and time significantly influenced EC and SAR in the leachates (P < 0.01). Leachate pH increased progressively, exceeding 9.5, while EC and SAR decreased with time. In the final leaching cycle, EC and SAR values from the SB treatments were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those from WB and the control, with SAR values exceeding 13 (meq L⁻¹)⁰·⁵.Cumulative leaching of Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺ was significantly affected by the treatments (P < 0.01). The highest cumulative Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ leaching occurred in SB treatments, whereas WB produced the highest Mg²⁺ and K⁺ leaching. The order of cation leaching coefficients was K⁺ < Mg²⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Na⁺, with mean sodium leaching coefficients of 295.4, 256.6, and 196.7 month⁻¹ for SB, WB, and the control, respectively. At the end of the experiment, soil pH, ECe, SAR, and ESP decreased relative to the initial soil. While treatments did not significantly affect soil pH, their effects on ECe, SAR, and ESP were significant (P < 0.01). The highest ECe (1.05 dS m⁻¹), SAR (13.6 (meq L⁻¹)⁰·⁵), and ESP (24.1%) were recorded in the control, while the lowest values (ECe = 0.64 dS m⁻¹, SAR = 1.61 (meq L⁻¹)⁰·⁵, ESP = 8.4%) were found in the 4% SB treatment, which did not differ significantly from the 1% level.

Conclusion: After five leaching cycles, WB improved drainage water quality more effectively than SB. The cation leaching sequence was K⁺ < Mg²⁺ < Ca²⁺ < Na⁺, with sodium exhibiting the highest mobility in SB treatments. By the end of the leaching process, the saline-sodic soil was transformed into a sodic soil, whereas both biochar types improved soil chemical conditions. Given the similar performance among SB rates, a 1% application rate is recommended for further research. For field-scale implementation, additional trials under local conditions with native irrigation water and subsurface drainage are advised.

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References

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Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production
Volume 16, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 33-56

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