Effect of Biochar On Nitrate and Phosphate Leaching.

Because state and federal environmental regulations are becoming more stringent, growers in California are trying to mitigate nutrient run-off.  In the following study, biochar will be used in container substrates to determine its ability to improve plant growth and mitigate nutrient leaching from containers.  Different amounts of biochar will be incorporated into the planting media.  The treatments will include: 1) a control pot without biochar or a plant, 2) a control pot without biochar but with a fibrous begonia plant, 3) 5%, 4) 10%, 5) 15%, 6) 20%, 7) 25%, 8) 30% biochar by volume incorporated into the substrate with a fibrous begonia plant, and 9) a 10% biochar by volume unmixed at the bottom of the pot without a plant.  Leachates will be collected weekly, and the concentrations of ammonium, nitrate and phosphorus will be determined.  After the study has been concluded the plant growth will be measured.