The Effectiveness of Biochar on Soil pH and Sorption Capacity of Luvisol after the 1^st and 9^th Year of Application

Recent research indicates that biochar applied to soil brings several positive benefits for farmers. However, there is still lack of data on how biochar behaves in the soil environment over extended periods, beyond just a few years. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two biochar rates (B0 – control; B10 – 10 t.ha⁻¹; and B20 – 20 t.ha⁻¹) on changes in soil pH and soil sorption capacity after 1^st and 9th year of application to silt loam Haplic Luvisol (experimental base of SUA in Nitra, Dolná Malanta, Slovakia). The results indicate a decreasing effect on soil pH over time since the application of biochar. However, the higher rate significantly increased soil pH even after 9^th year of application. Similarly, the effectiveness of biochar on soil sorption capacity decreased over time.