Effects of softwood biochar on the status of nitrogen species and elements of potential toxicity in soils.

The effects of softwood-derived biochar materials on the chemical behaviour of environmental contaminants in soils were examined in two microcosm scenarios. Addition of the biochar materials into an alkaline sandy soil significantly reduced NH volatilization and made it available for conversion into NO via nitrification. This process could be enhanced by an increased application rate of biochar produced at a higher pyrolysis temperature.