Transformation and transport mechanism of nitrogenous compounds in a biochar ‘preparation- returning to the field’ process studied by employing an isotope tracer method

Due to biochar’s excellent physical and chemical properties, such as rich void ration and large specific surface area, it could improve soil by conserving water and fertilizer and providing breeding grounds for soil microorganisms. Therefore, it has been attracting researchers’ interests for its potential as a soil amendment. In this work, elemental analysis-stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conjointly employed to investigate the migration and transformation mechanism of biochar nitrogenous compounds in the “preparation–returning” process. EA-IRMS data indicated that during the preparation process the nitrogen retention rate in biochar first dropped sharply (300–400 °C), then became stable (400–500 °C), and finally decreased slowly (500–800 °C) with increasing pyrolysis temperature. After returning biochar to soil, the measurable total nitrogen in biochar that migrated to soil and plants displayed a nitrogen mass distribution rate in the order...