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Biochar as a Soil Amendment Alleviates Microplastic-induced Nitrogen Inhibition in Ryegrass: Threshold Effects Revealed by 15N Tracing
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Using 15N isotope tracing, researchers showed that biochar amendments at 0.5% and 2% concentrations can counteract PVC microplastic-induced inhibition of nitrogen cycling in soil-ryegrass systems, improving nitrogen utilization efficiency by up to 37.56% depending on contamination level. Biochar emerges as a practical soil remediation tool for agricultural lands where microplastic pollution is compromising crop productivity and soil health.
Microplastics (MPs), defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, pose a significant threat to agricultural sustainability by compromising soil health and reducing crop productivity. Biochar (BC), a porous carbonaceous material characterized by unique structural and chemical properties, has emerged as a promising remediation strategy for soils contaminated with MPs. However, the synergistic effects of BC and MPs on critical soil functions and plant nitrogen use efficiency are not yet fully elucidated. The interaction between BC and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) MPs was examined in soil-plant systems using 15N isotope tracing technology. Different application rates of BC (0.5% and 2% w/w) were tested to evaluate their influence on enzymatic activities, nitrogen transformation, and 15N utilization efficiency in MPs-contaminated soils. Applying 0.5% BC improved urease and protease activities, boosted organic nitrogen mineralization, and increased 15N utilization by 10.89%-37.56% in soils with certain MPs levels, though its effectiveness declined with higher MPs concentrations. In contrast, 2% BC consistently enhanced enzyme activities, altered nitrogen pathways, and improved 15N utilization by 3.84%-36.77% across increasing MPs levels, while reducing 15N loss. 0.5% BC effectively sustains crop productivity in soils with light contamination, whereas 2% BC is essential for stabilizing the nitrogen cycle and mitigating the effects of heavy pollution. These findings offer both a theoretical framework and practical guidance for the implementation of tailored BC remediation strategies in agriculture affected by MPs contamination. Microplastics inhibited soil enzyme activity, nitrogen utilization and plant growth. 0.5% biochar increased ryegrass growth and biomass in low levels microplastic-contaminated soils. 2% biochar as application threshold values and changed the plant-soil system from microplastic dominated toxicity to beneficial biochar-microplastic synergy.
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