Biochar Improves Maize Growth but Has a Limited Effect on Soil Properties: Evidence from a Three-Year Field Experiment
, Agnieszka Latawiec 2, Jolanta Królczyk 3, Adam Bogacz 1, Dorota Kawałko 1, Magdalena Bednik 1 and Michał Dudek 1Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The work submitted for review touches on a very interesting subject. Generally the work is well done, especially the research part and the research discussion. I appreciate that the authors have probably put a lot of work into the experimental research and preparation of this manuscript. Nevertheless, the article requires elaboration. In my opinion, the introduction should cover more issues on this subject. The aim of the research should also be added.
Detailed comments below:
Line 14: This beginning can be expanded with an additional sentence.
Introduction: The introduction should better emphasize the idea of sustainable development through the use of biochar.
There is no information about similar studies in this field in the introduction. Please answer the question, what has science already achieved in this field? Have any similar studies been carried out in this field, what are the results? There is also no information as to whether biochar was used for other crops such as wheat, rye, oats, etc., and for vegetable crops. After all, the fields must be changed with other plants, this topic should be elaborated on. This will better emphasize the novelty of these studies.
Figure 1: It is enough to add one description under the images. Eg. Figure 1, (a) ……., (B) ………… Adjust all images and charts.
See Fig. 6, there is a correct description of the graphs.
Fig. 6b: Please explain in more detail what is shown in the figure. Please refer to the markings in the figure (1,2,3,4,5,6). In addition, the flasks are positioned from largest to smallest. Of course, there are different corn cobs in the field.
I understand that using biochar can reduce the share of the smallest cobs in the yield. However, please explain this better in the text.
Figure 7: There is no description on the Y axis in front of the unit. This should add to that.
Furthermore, please number the Fig. As indicated above.
Conclusion: I think the conclusions can be made more precise. The scope of research is wide and the conclusions touch only some of the issues.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer, please find responds to your comments in attached file.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
This manuscript deals with the biochar application and its impacts on soil environment in the various view point. And this is very meaningful in the aspect of the first attempt in field scale in Poland.
Line 31. [2][3] -> [2,3]
Line 32. [4] seems to be wrote in bold style
Line 53. It has been announcing that the side effect of application of biochar through previous studies. So related contents seems to be added in introduction section.
Materials and Methods.
Why don't author analyzed soil bioavailability of N and P during 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018 in soil? Biochar can release these nutrient, and also adsorbed onto its surface.
Discussion.
Paragraph is too long to read properly. So please divided paragraph or make subsection in discussion. (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, ...)
If possible, water stable aggregation also determined in further study, which is very important factor to understand soil physical properties and sustainable use of crop land.
Finally, conclusion should be modified as more concisely.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Please find our responds to the comments in attached file.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
