In a recent study published in GCB Bioenergy, Xuekun Cheng, Yufeng Zhou, Guomo Zhou, and Yongjun Shi investigated how different fertilization strategies affect carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions in Moso bamboo forests. Moso bamboo forests are crucial for carbon sequestration due to their rapid growth and substantial carbon storage capacity, but intensive management often leads to nutrient depletion and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This research sought to find fertilization methods that improve both economic returns and environmental protection.

The researchers conducted a one-year field experiment with three treatments: a control (no fertilization), chemical fertilizer, and biochar-based compound fertilizer. They applied the fertilizers at a rate of 133 grams per square meter. Their findings indicate that biochar-based compound fertilizer significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC) by 12.6% and enhanced methane (CH4) absorption by 22.4%. Additionally, it reduced N2O emissions by 16.5%. In contrast, chemical fertilizer increased short-term biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More productivity by 24.8% but led to higher carbon dioxide (CO2) and N2O emissions. The study found that while neither treatment significantly altered microbial alpha-diversity, both changed microbial community composition, particularly favoring beneficial fungal species with biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More.

Further analysis showed that annual cumulative CO2 emissions increased by 19.91% under biochar treatment compared to the control, while chemical fertilizer treatment led to a 42.58% increase. For N2O emissions, chemical fertilizer caused a 117.82% increase, whereas biochar treatment resulted in a 13.30% decrease. Methane absorption, which is generally negative in bamboo forests (meaning the soil absorbs methane), increased by 10.77% with biochar and decreased by 27.65% with chemical fertilizer. These results highlight biochar’s superior ability to mitigate potent greenhouse gas emissions.

The application of biochar and chemical fertilizers had distinct impacts on soil carbon and nitrogen pools. Both types of fertilizers increased soil pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More, counteracting acidification, although through different mechanisms. Biochar’s alkaline nature helps neutralize acidic ions, while chemical fertilizers with high potassium ion concentrations also reduce acidification. Biochar increased SOC by promoting soil aggregation and providing a habitat for microorganisms, thereby enhancing microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Conversely, biochar significantly reduced microbial residual carbon (MRC), while chemical fertilizers increased it. This suggests that biochar influences microbial carbon utilization efficiency, leading to carbon accumulation.

Ultimately, the study concludes that biochar-based compound fertilizer is a promising strategy for enhancing carbon sequestration and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in Moso bamboo forests. The biochar treatment boosted the carbon sequestration capacity of the bamboo forest ecosystem by 56.32%, compared to a 37.26% increase with chemical fertilizer. These findings support the “bamboo instead of plastic” policy, emphasizing biochar’s potential to increase both the environmental and economic value of bamboo cultivation. Optimizing biochar application rates and timing for specific site conditions could further maximize productivity and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Source: Cheng, X., Zhou, Y., Zhou, G., & Shi, Y. (2025). Biochar-Based Compound Fertilizers Enhances Carbon Sequestration and Mitigates Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Moso Bamboo Forests. GCB Bioenergy, 17(7), e70056.