Research

[Michaelangelica]

A pdf File on CEC
Black Carbon Increases Cation Exchange Capacity in Soils -- Liang et al. 70 (5): 1719 -- Soil Science Society of America Journal

Black Carbon Increases Cation Exchange Capacity in Soils
B. Liang, J. Lehmann,* D. Solomon, J. Kinyangi, J. Grossman, B. O’Neill, J. O. Skjemstad, J. Thies, F. J. Luiza˜o,
J. Petersen, and E. G. Neves
In Memory of James Petersen
Dr. James Petersen was killed during an armed robbery while

[Michaelangelica]

Interesting large collection of research papers from SE Asia
Search Result

This was good on making home made char and application rates
Application of Rice Husk Charcoal

Also this on wee beasties
Extensive researches on soil-rhizosphere processes have shown that a very small proportion of rhizosphere soil is of critical importance for plant growth and health. The soil-rhizosphere zones occupied less than 5-7% volume of the upper 15 cm surface soil in a vegetable field.
Designing sustainable management practices that focus on rhizosphere soil is more efficient and cost-effective for improving crop productivity with fewer agrochemical inputs.
The innovative Starter Solution Technology (SST) for applying nutrients directly to the soil-rhizosphere system is proposed in this paper. The SST reduces fertilizer application, increases vegetable yields, decreases fertilizer residues in the soil and is simple to apply.
Other practices for managing the fertility of rhizosphere soil, such as supplying nutrients through drip irrigation, applying organic fertilizers and bio-charcoals to increase soil-buffering capacity and localized amendment as strategies for problem soils are also discussed.
All of the proposed management practices can be easily adopted by Asian farmers.
Lehmann et al. (2006) has proposed a new approach to carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems through the application of biomass-derived charcoal (bio-charcoal) onto soil. Bio-charcoal such as burnt rice husk, can act
as a soil conditioner enhancing plant growth by supplying and, more importantly, retaining nutrients and improving
soil physical and biological properties (Lehmann & Rondon 2006).
Bio-charcoal is more resistant to decomposition and can remain in the soil for many years.
Higher nutrient retention and nutrient availability were found after charcoal additions to soil; this was related to higher exchange capacity, surface area and direct nutrient addition from
charcoal (Glaser et al. 2002).


Not all agricultural waste materials are suitable for producing bio-charcoal with the exception of rice
husks (FFTC 2001), which have high concentrations of silica entrapping C during combustion. The rice husk ash also contains other mineral nutrients such as Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and K. Application of bio-charcoal is a new technology to
ameliorate components as soil colloid particles and increase soil fertility in the soil-rhizosphere system.

Fertility Management of the Soil-Rhizosphere System for Efficient Fertilizer Use in Vegetable Production

[erich]

Hopefully all the Biochar companies will coordinate with Dr. Jeff Novak's soils work at ARS;

ARS : Jeffrey M Novak



PRODUCTION OF LOW AND HIGH TEMPERATURE BIOCHARS FROM CROP FEEDSTOCKS
Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement (N)
Accession Number: 414995
ARS Project: PRODUCTION OF LOW AND HIGH TEMPERATURE BIOCHARS FROM CROP FEEDSTOCKS (414995)


DESIGNER BIOCHAR DEVELOPMENT AS A SOIL AMENDMENT
Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement (N)
Accession Number: 413344
ARS Project: DESIGNER BIOCHAR DEVELOPMENT AS A SOIL AMENDMENT (413344)


DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGNER BIOCHAR TO REMEDIATE DEGRADED COASTAL PLAIN SOILS
Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement (N)
Accession Number: 414939
ARS Project: DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGNER BIOCHAR TO REMEDIATE DEGRADED COASTAL PLAIN SOILS (414939)

[Michaelangelica]

Nothing new or earth shattering but. . .

Abstract

Abstract  The International Panel on Climate Change distinguished three main options for the mitigation of atmospheric CO2 concentrations by the agricultural sector: (1) reduction of agriculture-related emissions, (2) creation and strengthening of C sinks in the soil, and (3) production of biofuels to replace fossil fuels.
Options for sustained sequestration of C in the soil through adapted management of land resources are reviewed in the context of the ongoing discussion on the need to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
Enhanced sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in the soil, ultimately as stable humus, may well prove a more lasting solution than (temporarily) sequestering CO2 in the standing biomass through reforestation and afforestation.
Such actions will also help to reverse processes of land degradation, thus contributing to sustained food productivity and security for the people in the regions concerned.

http://www.metapress.com/content/w6r53g04kqf662m3/

[Michaelangelica]

Nothing new or earth shattering but. . .

Abstract

Abstract  The International Panel on Climate Change distinguished three main options for the mitigation of atmospheric CO2 concentrations by the agricultural sector:

• (1) reduction of agriculture-related emissions,
• (2) creation and strengthening of C sinks in the soil, and
• (3) production of biofuels to replace fossil fuels.

Options for sustained sequestration of C in the soil through adapted management of land resources are reviewed in the context of the ongoing discussion on the need to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Enhanced sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in the soil, ultimately as stable humus, may well prove a more lasting solution than (temporarily) sequestering CO2 in the standing biomass through reforestation and afforestation.

Such actions will also help to reverse processes of land degradation, thus contributing to sustained food productivity and security for the people in the regions concerned.

MetaPress - Journal Article

[erich]

Why ‘Rainbow Bee Eater’?

The Rainbow Bee Eater is a beautiful bird that survives in some of the harshest environments in Australia. Its habitat overlaps most of the area that could provide large carbon capture and storage opportunities in Australia.

The photo of this bird exploding from its nest is also a metaphor of the rapidity with which carbon capture and storage using biochar could make a major contribution to reducing carbon emissions while at the same time causing the reversal of environmental, social and economic decline of regional Australia.

PROJECT RAINBOW BEE EATER – CALL FOR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BIOCHAR

http://jennifermarohasy.com/blog/200...on-as-biochar/

[erich]

Hi List,

Nice review of William M. Denevan. 2001. Cultivated Landscapes of Native Amazonia and the Andes. Oxford University Press, 2001.
Charles C. Mann's inspiration , the "the real Indiana Jones"


Cultivated Landscapes of Native Amazonia and the Andes History of Western Landscapes

[erich]

A group of vinyards testing Biochar;

Interview with Hans-Peter Schmidt

"We started 2007 with a first test field of 3000m2 where we introduce Bio-Char, Bio-Char + Compost, and each with different seeds in between the wine stocks. This year we are going to extend the test fields and trying the method in France, Spain and Italy.
Further on we created a Carbon-Network with several Institutes researching the soil-effects, char stability, water holding capacity and so on. We are going to purchase a first Pyrolyse reactor producing about 1000t/year Bio-Char and Electricity, through that our 40 vineyards all over Europe [will] become climate-neutral by 2013."

Admin Perhaps you could give us a glimpse of your background?

Hans-Peter Schmidt O.K. I started as an anthropologist at the University of Hamburg, and I became a winegrower in my research on the agricultural attitudes of ancient peoples. Quite a curious biography to become a researcher in ecology!


http://reignofterroir.com/

[erich]

Hi List,

I'm not complaining mind you, but those precocious Ausse's are ahead of us all ( probably Michael's doing ).
They have an endowed Biochar chair at the academic level , years of field testing, at least some americans bought BestEnergy, but
it seems by now, BestEnergy would be showing off field work in north america.


It's great to see CSIRO involved & An Asia-Pacific Biochar Conference too!

"A recent meeting at the University of New South Wales, jointly organised by NSW DPI and CSIRO Land and Water, brought together Australian and New Zealand biochar researchers. The Network of Australian and New Zealand Biochar Researchers was formed as a result and it will ensure better dissemination of information about biochar and its benefits. Members of the network will coordinate the first Asia-Pacific Biochar Conference, to take place on the Gold Coast from 17–19 May 2009.

The network's researchers are focusing on the use of biochar for carbon sequestration and soil amelioration. While most studies focus on biochar application in agriculture, future work will examine other beneficial uses including its capacity to adsorb organic and inorganic contaminants, and its role in the rehabilitation of degraded soil and waterways.

Dr Neil McKenzie, Chief of CSIRO Land and Water, said CSIRO had an outstanding record of research into the dynamics of soil carbon. 'Our work on the age, chemistry and abundance of char in soil has provided the foundation for our new studies into the potential of biochar. This research is essential for developing one of our most promising mitigation strategies against climate change."

Amazonians? black magic has multiple benefits(ScienceAlert)



Glomalin & Switch Grass;
This article high lights Glomalins roll in recalcitrant soil carbon, and suggest that sustainable biofuel cropping can build soils.
Measurement of glomalins is an expensive, research lab process. It's my understanding that the only available alternative is root analysis to compare fungi infection rates as a proxy for ultimate glomalin deposition.

Switchgrass May Mean Better Soil

ScienceDaily (July 25, 2008) — Soils with native grasses such as switchgrass have higher levels of a key soil component called glomalin than soils planted to non-native grasses, according to a study by the Agricultural Research Service at two locations in Mandan, N.D.
Switchgrass May Mean Better Soil



ARS Work;

BIOGEOCHEMICAL PROCESSES INFLUENCING FORMATION AND STABILIZATION OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER AND SOIL STRUCTURE


3.Progress Report
Laboratory and field studies are in progress to determine the effects of biochar (charcoal derived from biomass) on soil properties, agricultural productivity, water quality, and carbon sequestering. Biochar was applied on 24 plots at two rates (9814 and 18440 kilograms per hectare (kg/ha)). The impact of these biochar applications on yields of continuous corn will be monitored over the next few years. A 500-day soil column study designed to quantify the impact of biochar on soil quality, carbon sequestration, emissions of greenhouse gasses and nutrient concentrations in leachate from the columns was completed. Analysis of the samples is nearly complete. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates that biochar amendments reduced soil bulk density, sequestered large amounts of carbon, increased soil respiration, reduced leaching of nitrate by 10%, and reduced phosphorous leaching by 40 to 70%. The biochar also acted as a liming agent.

ARS Project: Biogeochemical Processes Influencing Formation and Stabilization of Soil Organic Matter and Soil Structure (410769) Annual Report


See related USDA ARS Research

USDA | BioEnergy Lists: Terra Preta (Biochar)


Cheers,
Erich

[erich]

This post of Ron's is a very validating work he found!
I had seen Nishio mentioned in the archive; Microbial Fertilizers in Japan | BioEnergy Lists: Terra Preta (Biochar) , but I have never seen this alfalfa pot study . Treatment groups are quite like what I have planned,( except with my addition of tillage & application rate split plots.)

Plant Response is about fungi infection rates, fungi infection rates lead, now we know, to glomalins and long term soil structure.


On Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 10:43 AM, Ron Larson <rongretlarson@comcast.net> wrote:

" 1996 Japanese paper that I don't think has been cited on this list: Microbial Fertilizers in Japan. It contained quite a bit on charcoal (no use of the term "biochar" - so this wouldn't likely show up in most google searchrs), and some interesting results from pot trials. It proved again to me that we need to be in better communication about biochar with the Japanese. Much of the paper is on AMF -arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi" .