Influence of biochars on nitrous oxide emission and nitrogen leaching from two contrasting soils.

The influence of biochar on nitrogen (N) transformation processes in soil is not fully understood. This study assessed the influence of four biochars (wood and poultry manure biochars synthesized at 400 degrees C, nonactivated, and at 550 degrees C, activated, abbreviated as: W400, PM400, W550, PM550, respectively) on nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and N leaching from an Alfisol and a Vertisol. Repacked soil columns were subjected to three wetting-drying (W-D) cycles to achieve a range of water-filled pore space (WFPS) over a 5-mo period.