The Effects of Biochar Amendment on Dimethyl Disulfide Emission and Efficacy Against Soil-Borne Pests

Wang, Qiuxia; Fang, Wensheng; Yan, Dongdong; Han, Dawei; Li, Yuan; Ouyang, Canbin; Guo, Meixia; Cao, Aocheng

The Effects of Biochar Amendment on Dimethyl Disulfide Emission and Efficacy Against Soil-Borne Pests

2016

Biochar can potentially reduce fumigant emissions in agriculture. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) is an effective soil fumigant for controlling soil-borne pests. However, it is important to reduce DMDS emissions because the compound has an unpleasant and easily perceived sulfur odor. This study therefore aimed to determine the effects of two types of biochar amendments on DMDS bioactivity and emission, using bioassay methods and soil columns. The efficacy of DMDS for controlling root-knot nematode and Fusarium spp. was not reduced when the biochar used in this study was applied at a rate less than 2 and 0.5 % (on a weight basis), respectively. The biochar with high specific surface area (SSA 113 m⁻² g⁻¹) reduced the efficacy of DMDS against soil-borne pests more than the low SSA biochar (14 m⁻² g⁻¹). Increased doses of DMDS were able to offset decreases in the efficacy of DMDS in soils amended with biochars, except for high SSA biochar applied at a rate of 2 %. Biochar amendments applied to the soil surface at shallow depth can significantly reduce DMDS emission to the atmosphere. The results of this study will support decision-making about the practical use of biochar to reduce DMDS emissions.

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