The amelioration and improvement effects of modified biochar derived from Spartina alterniflora on coastal wetland soil and Suaeda salsa growth

Exotic species Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) are widely invaded in the coastal zones of China and threaten the native ecosystem functions. In this study, phosphorus-magnesium modified BC (P–Mg modified BC) included PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC derived from S. alterniflora were successfully prepared by co-pyrolysis of biomass and diammonium phosphate (DAP) or phosphoric acid (PA) and magnesium oxide (MgO). The preparation process markedly improved the surface morphologies, P loading amount, and P-containing functional groups of modified BC. The characterization results indicated that stable and low-solubility Mg–P complex formed on the surface of PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC, which delayed the rapid release of P. Moreover, the MgO improved the buffering capacity of PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC to competitive anions (SO42− and CO32−) during P release. Meanwhile, pot experiment showed that the suitable applications of PA-Mg-BC and DAP-Mg-BC could improve soil quality and fertility by enhancing SOC, DOC, TN, TP and AP contents, as well as β-glucosidase activities. The amended soil pH and salinity compared to the original soil also declined through precipitation and acid-base neutralization. In addition, P–Mg modified BC could improve bacterial community structure and promote the growth and biomass of Suaeda salsa (S. salsa). This study could provide a feasible method for realizing ecological restoration of coastal wetland and resource utilization of S. alterniflora. [Display omitted] •Novel P–Mg modified biochar (BC) was developed for ameliorating coastal wetland.•Addition of MgO increased P content and extended P release period of modified BC.•P–Mg modified BC improved DOM content/compositions and bacterial diversity.•P–Mg modified BC enhanced soil quality and promoted the Suaeda salsa growth.