Biochar Silicon Content Divergently Regulates N2O Emissions and Cadmium Availability in Acidic Soils

Acidic agricultural soils are frequently challenged by co-occurring heavy metal contamination and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While biochar is widely used for integrated remediation, the specific role of silicon (Si) in modulating its effectiveness in cadmium (Cd) stabilization and nitrous oxide (N2O) mitigation remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the co-remediation efficacy of two types of high-Si (bamboo leaves, ML; rice straw, RS) and two types of low-Si (Camellia oleifera leaves, CL; Camellia oleifera shells, CS) biochar, produced at 450 °C, within a Cd-contaminated and nitrogen-fertilized acidic soil. Results from a 90-day incubation showed that while all biochar effectively immobilized Cd, the low-Si CL biochar exhibited a superior stabilization efficiency of 66.2%. This enhanced performance was attributed to its higher soil organic carbon (SOC) and moderate dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release, which facilitated robust Cd2+ sorption and complexation. In contrast, high-Si biochar was more effective in mitigating cumulative N2O emissions (up to 67.8%). This mitigation was strongly associated with an elevated abundance of the nosZ gene (up to 48.1%), which catalyzes the terminal step of denitrification. Soil pH and DOC were identified as pivotal drivers regulating both Cd bioavailability and N2O dynamics. Collectively, low-Si biochar is preferable for Cd stabilization in acidic soils, whereas high-Si biochar is more effective at elevating pH and reducing N2O emissions. These findings emphasize that optimizing co-remediation outcomes necessitates a targeted approach, selecting biochar based on the specific contamination profile and desired environmental benefits.