A new study published in the Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition has revealed that biochar-amended composting can transform poultry waste into a powerful soil enhancer, offering a sustainable solution for nutrient recycling and soil restoration.
Researchers from the Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences conducted a 50-day composting trial combining chicken manure and mushroom residue with varying biochar levels (0–7%). They found that a 5% biochar amendment yielded the best results—significantly improving compost maturity, nutrient retention, and microbial activity.
The biochar-enriched compost achieved a C/N ratio of 15.6–18.2, alongside notable increases in nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, and soil organic matter. Enzyme activities such as phosphatase and catalase surged, correlating strongly with enhanced nutrient availability.
Moreover, biochar reshaped the soil microbial ecosystem—boosting beneficial bacteria like Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria while reducing salt-tolerant microbes. Functional metagenomic analysis showed enrichment in carbon metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation pathways, underscoring biochar’s influence on soil health beyond the rhizosphere.
The study demonstrates biochar’s “dual role as both nutrient reservoir and microbial habitat enhancer,” turning a waste management challenge into a circular agricultural opportunity.
The findings suggest that biochar not only stabilizes composting but also rejuvenates soil ecosystems, advancing sustainable agriculture through precision nutrient management.
References
Chen, L., Fan, H., Zhong, L., Wang, Y., Chen, C., Chen, X., Chen, Y., Zhang, J., & Lin, Y. (2025). Biochar-Amended Composting Transforms Chicken Manure Waste Into a Resource: Enhancing Extra-Rhizosphere Soil Fertility and Shaping Microbial Communities. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-025-02785-2
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