
Delving into Biochar by Scott Jamison

SoilMatrix Newsletter No. 17
The Wisdom of Agricultural Co-Composting of Biochar and Animal Manure
The topic of co-composting animal manures with biochar has risen in importance since about 2010 with the publication of an increasing number of research papers on this topic, including an astounding research discovery at the Canadian Light Source facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This research demonstrated the way in which organic materials physically coat the surfaces of biochar particles over a period of time during co-composting of biomass with biochar 2.
Land application of compost is an age-old agricultural method of returning nutrients to soils. However, compost additions to soils can result in substantial emissions of greenhouse gas, especially N2O, which needs to be controlled during making and using compost containing high N-loads, such as chicken manure. Some farmers in some countries are now pursuing the option of adding granulated biochar to animal bedding for the co-benefits of improving animal health and enhancing the eventual composting value of this material. The eventual applications of co-composted biochar-manure mixtures is demonstrating benefits for soils and plants.
We already know that biochar blended with finished compost makes a great soil amendment to promote healthy plant growth. All you need to do is run a Google search to find a vast amount of information on this. However, why add biochar to animal bedding material destined for manure compost production?
What we already know about biochar’s nutrient holding and moisture retention capabilities along with its ability to stimulate microbiological populations of beneficial bacteria and fungi when amended into soils, leads to the possibility for these added benefits for co-composting with other organic materials. Significant numbers of research projects have been underway and are continuing with positive biochar-manure co-composting benefits being substantiated. These benefits include:
Although these benefits have been demonstrated by small plot tests and field trials, in some cases, much more field experimentation and demonstration will be needed. AirTerra is seeking to work with experimental farmers to supply the necessary high-quality biochar to fully verify these findings. We are anticipating a revolution in regenerative farming as a result of these early (or late depending on how you see it) explorations of what we and others are calling “Carbon Farming”.
References:
SoilMatrixNewsletter No. 11
November, 2017
As you may have already heard, I have been busy presenting and promoting the “Biochar Revolution” for soil health at as many events as possible. The next opportunity is November 3, 2017 at the Telus Spark (aka – The Science Centre) building, Calgary, Alberta. I will have a display in one of the centre’s open areas and you are welcome to come and visit me – your friendly soil geek. Here is additional information about the event:
Event: ASTech Next Gen Innovator’s Showcase
When: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, November 3, 2017
Where: TELUS Spark in Calgary – 220 St. Georges Drive N. E.
Parking: Available on the west side of the building for $5.00
What: The ASTech Foundation will be presenting awards to this this year’s best innovators in the areas of: Energy, Agriculture, Health, Technology, Start-ups, and Science Fair Innovators. It will be an excellent opportunity for students, startups, and industry veterans to connect with one another and get inspired for the journey ahead!
Find out more and register here: ASTech Foundation Next Gen Innovators Showcase Information and Registration
For this occasion I have produced a two-minute iMovie which explains why I see the use of biochar for soil regeneration in Alberta to be more important than ever.
To watch the video, just follow the link… AirTerra’s ASTech Event Video
Now that you know all about it, I hope to see you there so we can encourage other innovators, be inspired by them, and participate in a stimulating discussion about the path forward.
Thank you for your interest in this topic. We will see you at the end of November.
Copyright ©_2017 AirTerra, All rights reserved.
SoilMatrix Newsletter No. 7
July, 2017
It’s mid-summer, so let’s enjoy it while it lasts.
This is how the SoilMatrix Garden looked on Thursday, July 27, 2017.
The romaine at the front corner is being consumed (by us). It is also being invaded by the zucchini (must remember not to plant so much of it next year). Once again, this garden is receiving no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides and as little city of Calgary water as possible. We are attempting to bring the soil health up to a level where all of these inputs are happening below ground level via our soil life food web friends.
In this newsletter we will provide a few links to research that indicates the various benefits of biochar soil amendments. I spent some time compiling these for your learning so you can read for yourself how biochar amendments make a difference to your flower and/or vegetable garden.
The concept of using biochar as a plant growth enhancing soil amendment didn’t really enter public awareness until the fall of 2008. It was previously mostly an academic curiosity that was gaining attention in universities around the globe. Research has since expanded rapidly and today almost every university in every city has some form of biochar research taking place. Most of the papers written about biochar in these academic arenas are steeped in highly scientific language and, as such, are less accessible to the public. An exception to this is a well-researched book by Dr. Paul Taylor, which was written in 2010. A link to the book’s website is provided here:
http://www.thebiocharrevolution.com
where you will find free downloads of Chapter 1 as well as a recently written free download by Dr. Paul Taylor.
One of the co-authors of this book is a good friend and colleague of mine, Dr. Hugh McLauglin. Hugh wrote Chapter 7 “How Biochar Helps Soils”. One of the most informative compilations of the benefits, possible negatives, and unknowns of biochar in soils is referenced in this chapter:
“Biochar Application to Soils – A Critical Scientific Review of Effects on Soil Properties, Processes and Functions.” Report of the EU Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environmental Sustainability. Read more here:
http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC55799/jrc_biochar_soils.pdf
To keep this Newsletter brief, I have summarized here the list of biochar’s possible benefits, disadvantages, and some unknowns that require further research:
Benefits
Negatives
Unknowns
Given these point form benefits, negatives, and unknowns, there seems to be much more in the “unknown” category, which is the reason for the huge interest in this topic at leading research institutions around the globe. Much more will be discovered about biochar in the coming years. It could makes for an exciting career for budding agronomists, biologists, and soil scientists.
We hope to keep you informed as the results from all this research becomes available.
Thank you for your interest in this topic. We will see you again at the end of August.
Copyright ©_2017 AirTerra, All rights reserved.