Influence of Biochar Particle Size and Shape on Soil Hydraulic Properties

Authors

  • T. J. Lim Horticultural and Herbal Crop Environment Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, 100 Nongssengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
  • K. A. Spokas USDA-ARS, Soil and Water Management Unit, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, USA and University of Minnesota, Department of Soil, Water and Climate, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN USA
  • G. W. Feyereisen USDA-ARS, Soil and Water Management Unit, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, USA and University of Minnesota, Department of Soil, Water and Climate, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN USA
  • R. Weis USDA-ARS, Soil and Water Management Unit, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, USA and University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering, 500 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455
  • W. C. Koskinen Retired (USDA-ARS; Soil and Water Management Unit, St. Paul, MN)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12974/2311-8741.2017.05.01.2

Keywords:

Biochar size distribution, saturated hydraulic conductivity, tortuosity.

Abstract

Different physical and chemical properties of biochar, which is made out of a variety of biomass materials, can impact water movement through amended soil. The objective of this research was to develop a decision support tool evaluating the impact of the shape and the size distribution of biochar on soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (KSAT). Plastic beads of different size and morphology were compared with biochar to assess impacts on soil KSAT. Bead and biochar at the rate of were 5% (v/w) were added to a coarse sand. The particle size of bead and biochar had an effect on the KSAT, with larger and smaller particle sizes than the original sand grains (0.5mm) decreasing the KSAT value. The equivalent size bead or biochar to the sand grains had no impact on KSAT. The amendment shape also influenced soil hydraulic properties, but only when the particle size was between 3-6mm. Intra-particle porosity had no significant influence on the KSAT due to its small pore size and increased tortuosity compared to the inter-particle spaces (macro-porosity). The results support the conclusion that both particle size and shape of the biochar amendment will impact the KSAT value. 

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Published

2017-02-27

How to Cite

Lim, T. J., Spokas, K. A., Feyereisen, G. W., Weis, R., & Koskinen, W. C. (2017). Influence of Biochar Particle Size and Shape on Soil Hydraulic Properties. Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering Technology, 5(1), 8–15. https://doi.org/10.12974/2311-8741.2017.05.01.2

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