The Effects Of Biochar As A Soil Amendment On Soil Quality And Plant Growth: A Study For The North Carolina High Country
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Jared Weld Sanborn (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Ok-Youn Yu
Abstract: The use of biochar as a soil amendment is gaining traction, as a natural way to increase soil quality and also to mitigate climate change. The effects of biochar vary widely based on soil characteristics, plant species and feedstock characteristics. This study investigated the effects of biochar derived from High Country biomass on high country agricultural soil, and plants growing therein. Biochar from four feedstocks sourced from the North Carolina High Country, cane sorghum bagasse, Fraser fir, wood chips, and hog bone was used. The biochar was mixed with agricultural soil from a High Country farm and one of two nutrient solutions. The addition of biochar increased root mass and total mass in two biochar treatments and increased shoot mass and total mass in another. Three biochars increased soil P and K, and all increased soil water holding capacity. The independence of the biochar and nutrient effects was tested, and the effects were found to be dependent.
The Effects Of Biochar As A Soil Amendment On Soil Quality And Plant Growth: A Study For The North Carolina High Country
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Created on 5/31/2017
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Sanborn, J. (2017). "The Effects Of Biochar As A Soil Amendment On Soil Quality And Plant Growth: A Study For The North Carolina High Country." Unpublished Master’s Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2017
- Keywords
- Biochar, Pyrolysis, Soil fertility, Crop yield