1.State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control,College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering,Northwest A&F University,Yangling,Shaanxi 712100,China
2.Institute of Soil and Water Conservation,CAS & MWR,Yangling,Shaanxi 712100,China
3.University of Chinese Academy of Sciences,Beijing 100049,China
Objective As a soil amendment, biochar has attracted widespread attention for its effects on soil and water conservation. This study aims to explore the application potential of modified biochar in soil erosion prevention and control, thereby providing a theoretical basis and technical support for the comprehensive control of soil and water loss in slope farmland of the Loess Plateau and for the efficient utilization of biochar. Methods The physical properties of loessal soil amended with conventional and modified biochar derived from apple branches were compared, and laboratory simulated rainfall experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of runoff and sediment yield under three rainfall intensities (60, 90, and 120 mm/h). Results The addition of conventional biochar slightly improved the physical properties of loessal soil, while the addition of modified biochar further reduced soil compactness, enhanced soil water conductivity and water retention capacity, and optimized pore structure. Overall, the runoff yield time of slopes amended with modified biochar was extended by 97.49% and 87.24% compared to the control group and slopes amended with conventional biochar, respectively. Under low rainfall intensity, both runoff and erosion rates followed the order of control group > conventional biochar > modified biochar. Additionally, the modified biochar demonstrated good effectiveness in reducing runoff and sediment yield under moderate and low rainfall intensities. Combined with its improvement effects on soil physical properties, the modified biochar exhibited better soil and water conservation performance than conventional biochar. Conclusion The modified biochar has better comprehensive effectiveness on soil erosion prevention and control than conventional biochar, demonstrating important practical application value in improving soil structure and enhancing the prevention and control of soil and water loss.
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