Contrasting effects of bamboo leaf and its biochar on soil CO sub(2) efflux and labile organic carbon in an intensively managed Chinese chestnut plantation

The effects and associated mechanisms of the application of organic residues or their derived biochar on the dynamics of soil organic C and soil CO sub(2) efflux in planted soils are poorly understood. This paper investigated the impact of bamboo leaf and the derived biochar applications on soil CO sub(2) efflux and labile organic C in an intensively managed Chinese chestnut plantation in a 12-month field study. The treatments studied included Control, application of bamboo leaf (Leaf), and application of biochar (Biochar). The Leaf treatment increased (PControl. In comparison with the application of fresh bamboo leaf, pyrolyzed bamboo leaf (biochar) application decreased CO sub(2) effluxes and increased C sequestration in the soil.