Role of 15N in tracing biologically driven nitrogen dynamics in soils amended with biochar: A review

Abstract

Extensive reports on research into the effects of biochar additions on soil-plant systems show many inconsistencies in the response of various parameters including nitrogen (N) transformations. This review focusses on the use of the stable isotope 15N to provide unique information about the N dynamics in biochar-amended systems. The properties of biochars and their impacts on N cycling depends on the feedstock and pyrolysis parameters, as well as the soil type, plant species and form of 15N fertilizer. A review of the results of 15N tracer studies of the effects of biochar addition on a variety of N transformations shows the following: depending on the soil type, biochar addition can reduce ..