Biochar amendment improves degraded pasturelands in Brazil: environmental and cost-benefit analysis.

ABSTRACT: Most deforested lands in Brazil are occupied by low-productivity cattle ranching. Brazil is the second biggest meat producer worldwide and is projected to increase its agricultural output more than any other country. Biochar has been shown to improve soil properties and agricultural productivity when added to degraded soils, but these effects are context-dependent. The impact of biochar, fertilizer and inoculant on the productivity of forage grasses in Brazil (Brachiaria spp. and Panicum spp.) was investigated from environmental and socio-economic perspectives. We showed a 27% average increase in Brachiaria production over two years but no significant effects of amendment on Panicum yield. Biochar addition also increased the contents of macronutrients, soil pH and CEC. Each hectare amended

SUBMITTER: Latawiec AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6700309 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature