The study was established to examine the effect of three biochar types
(orange peels biochar (OPB), sorghum panicles biochar (SPB), and wood
chips biochar (WCB)) prepared at low temperature (270 °C) added at four
doses (0, 1, 3, and 6% w/w) on ammonia (NH3) volatilization and chemical
characteristics of a saline soil treated with urea. The results revealed that
treating the saline soil with different biochar types at all doses caused
a significant reduction of cumulative NH3 volatilization compared to the
unamended soil. The effectiveness of biochar types in decreasing NH3
volatilization from this soil was: WCB > SPB > OPB > unamended soil. Soil
pH decreased significantly with applying different types and doses of
biochar. Treating the saline soil with 3% each of SPB and WCB and 6%
WCB decreased electrical conductivity significantly in the soil extract
compared to the unamended soil. The sodium adsorption ratio decreased
significantly with applying SPB and WCB at 3 and 6%. The biochar produced at a low temperature was found to have an acidic effect.
Accordingly, biochar applications are currently one of the most promising
technologies and practices for rehabilitation and sustainable management of saline soils as well as mitigating climate change.