Carbon Turnover in Soil Amended With Biochar Generated From Palm Tree Fronds.

Carbon turnover in soil amended with Biochar generated from Palm tree fronds

Desertification is a global problem that is the result of poor soil quality, and is primarily caused bysoil erosion that is associated with losses of soil carbon and land vegetation. Management interventions that slow or reverse desertification through terrestrial carbon sequestration can simulatounsly improve soil quality and enhance food production.  One management strategy is land application with ‘Biochar’ - a term used to describe charcoal generated from the combustion of plant and/or green waste material in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis).  Numerous reports have shown that Biochar stability in soil depends on the parent material and the pyrolysis process (e.g. fast or slow).   Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the stability of a biochar generated from palm tree fronds after incorporation in soil via an analysis of short-term carbon turnover rates.  Specifically, carbon mineralization rates of soil incorporated with Biochar that was generated by slow pyrolysis at temperatures that do not exceed 400^oC are monitored over a 14-day incubation period.  The study was motivated to address issues involving palm trees waste disposal in Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.  The overarching goal is to find a practical use of this waste material via conversion into Biochar for re-incorporation into soils of palm-tree farms.