Periodic Measurements of CO2 Emission Dynamics from Wheat Straw and It’s Biochar Added to Soil

To investigate the effects of direct incorporation of wheat straw (WS) and its biochar (WB) into loess soil a short-term laboratory incubation experiment was conducted. The purpose was to observe the comparative effects of (WS) and (WB) on carbon mineralization, CO2 emission trends, cumulative production and Carbon C sequestration (Cseq). The (WS) and (WB) were applied four rates each at (0, 5, 10, 15 g/kg soil). The results revealed that wheat straw significantly increased CO2 emission rates and cumulative contrary to that biochar produced from the wheat straw decreased CO2 emissions. Moreover, only 1.3% of added Biochar C was respired where as 36% of added wheat straw C was decomposed. Wheat straw had high amount of labile C that enhanced greenhouse gas (GHG-C) and decreased Cseq. In contrast, (WB) had recalcitrant C that is why decreased (GHG-C) and increased Cseq. Therefore, it can be concluded that (WB) was very stable C source and could be better strategy to mitigate GHG-C emissions and sequester C in soils for long-term sustainability