Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

0009-0001-8313-6709

Advisor

Mlsna, Todd

Committee Member

Emerson, Joseph

Committee Member

Reed, Vaughn

Date of Degree

8-12-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Chemistry

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Chemistry

Abstract

Biochar-based fertilizers have potential to improve nutrient retention and reduce leaching losses compared to conventional soluble fertilizers. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and soil mobility of urea-modified biochar (Urea/BC) and potassium-substituted struvite-modified biochar (Struvite-K/BC) relative to commercial fertilizers under controlled greenhouse column conditions. Materials were characterized using combustion elemental analysis, SEM–EDS, XRD, and XPS. Urea modification increased nitrogen content without altering the amorphous carbon structure, while Struvite-K modification introduced crystalline mineral phases rich in Mg, K, and P. A 31-day leaching experiment at 70% maximum water holding capacity assessed vertical redistribution of N, P, and K. N exhibited significant depth dependent mobility regardless of formulation. In contrast, P and K distributions were strongly influenced by fertilizer type, with Struvite-K/BC treatments producing significantly greater retention and altered vertical redistribution. Results demonstrate nutrient-specific mobility behavior and highlight mineral-modified biochar as a promising strategy for improving fertilizer efficiency.

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