In resource-limited agroclimatic environments such as the semiarid and arid regions of the world, mineral undernourishment has been a major limitation to grazing livestock productivity. A soil amendment that has the potential to increase plant mineral uptake and reduce nutrient losses in grassland systems is biochar. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of biochar and nitrogen application rates on forage tissue mineral concentrations, soil constituents and leachate quality in a semiarid environment. Treatments were the factorial combination (3 × 3) of three biochar application rates (0, 8.9 and 17.8 Mg/ha) and three N application rates (0, 80 and 120 kg N/ha) arranged in a randomized complete block design experiment with four replications. Treatment means were considered different p ≤ .05. Forage tissue phosphorus concentration was altered by biochar rate × year interaction and a main effect of N rate. Tissue phosphorus concentration was greater at 17.8 Mg biochar/ ha rate than the 0 and 8.9 Mg/ha rates in 2019. For the N rate effect, forage tissue phosphorus concentration was greatest at 0 kg N/ha rate and lowest at 120 kg N/ha rate. The concentration of potassium in the forage was influenced by a biochar rate × N rate interaction. At 120 kg N/ha rate, tissue potassium concentration was greater at 8.9 and 17.8 Mg biochar/ ha rates than the 0 Mg biochar/ha rate. After three years of evaluation, this study demonstrated that biochar used independently or through its interaction with nitrogen fertilizer or year, had a positive influence on the forage minerals phosphorus, potassium, sodium and manganese and the tendency to also positively influenced the forage sulfur and boron concentrations.

Mclennon, E., Solomon, J., & Davison, J. 2022, Biochar and nitrogen application rates alter some forage and soil minerals concentrations and soil leachate quality in a semiarid mixed grassland system., GRASSLAND SCIENCE, 68(1), 23–35.

Extension Associated Contacts

 

Also of Interest:

 
A buffer strip with drought-tolerant plants between the lawn and the sidewalk.
Reducing Lawn with Buffer Strips
If you’d love to keep your lawn but are tired of some of their maintenance headaches and are looking for an eco-friendlier option that will conserve water and prevent water pollution, we have the perfect solution for you – buffer strips!
Jensen, C. and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-26
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Combatting Salinity: Evaluation of Tomato Rootstocks Under Mild and Severe Salt Stress
This Extension publication reports the results of University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station research that tested six different commercial tomato rootstocks and one commercial tomato cultivar for salt tolerance under low, moderate and severe salinity levels.
Bonarota, M.S., Barrios-Masias, F.H., & Singletary, L. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-21-08
The Fate of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Reclaimed Water Used for Irrigation of Agricultural Crops in Nevada
This publication, which is part of a series, reports on experimental research to quantify the fate of Pharmaceuticals and Personal care Products in alfalfa and green wheatgrass irrigated with reclaimed water in a greenhouse setting.
Busse, G., Verburg, P., Hanigan, D., Sharma, P., Yang, Y., Pagilla, K., & Singletary, L. 2021, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, SP-21-07
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Alfalfa Irrigated With Reclaimed Water.
Reclaiming Water for Urban Foodsheds integrates basic scientific research with Extension outreach to examine the feasibility of using reclaimed water for irrigated agriculture in urban environments. Funded by a grant [2017-69007-26309] from the USDA National Institute of Food and...
Sharma, P., Pagilla, K., Hanigan, D., and Singletary, L. 2020, Extension I University of Nevada, Reno, Special Publication SP-20-05.
Know the Status of Your Soils Before You Plant.
Soil sampling for field crop production.
Walia, M.K. and Hefner, M. 2019, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, FS-19-17
 

Associated Programs

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Master Gardeners of Washoe County

Master Gardeners provide free, research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Master Gardeners at tabling event

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

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Pesticide Safety Education Program

Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program provides web-based training for pesticide applicators seeking to apply restricted and general use pesticides safely, properly and according to the law. Pesticide licensure and certification is administered by the Nevada Department of Agriculture.