Managing Global Resources for a Secure Future

2017 Annual Meeting | Oct. 22-25 | Tampa, FL

362-8 Biochar Magic: The Smoke and Mirrors behind Biochar Use for Improving Soils.

See more from this Division: ASA Section: Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Amending Degraded Soils with Biochar to Promote Revitalization: The Chemistry, Physics and Biology of Biochar Mediated Soil Revitalization

Wednesday, October 25, 2017: 11:30 AM
Tampa Convention Center, Room 21

James A. Ippolito, C127 Plant Sciences Building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO and Kurt A. Spokas, 439 - Borlaug Hall, USDA-ARS, St. Paul, MN
Abstract:
Biochar has been touted for improving soil water relations, microbial processes, soil fertility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing crop productivity. But how can such a simple material do so much? Here we explore some fundamentals of various biochars by presenting laboratory images and videos that help explain the smoke and mirrors behind biochar’s magic. We explore biochar’s electronegativity and how it may explain previously published observations, along with biochar’s ability to affect soil water relations.

See more from this Division: ASA Section: Environmental Quality
See more from this Session: Amending Degraded Soils with Biochar to Promote Revitalization: The Chemistry, Physics and Biology of Biochar Mediated Soil Revitalization