Project Number: 6657-12130-002-05
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 01, 2010
End Date: Sep 30, 2012

Objective:
To develop and test blended biochars using multiple pyrolyzed feedstock designed as supplements to improve physical and chemical deficiencies in Coastal Plain soils.

Approach:
Biochars will be made from different feedstocks using thermal pyrolysis conditions to produce a biochar blend that can be used as a soil supplement. The blended biochar will be designed to improve the soil water storage capacity, form aggregates, reduce soil strength, and increase fertility. We will experiment with diverse relevant feedstocks that will be blended with pine chip biochar and analyzed in the laboratory to determine optimum blends and blend ratios. From these results, large scale production of blended biochar will be produced for field plot applications and specific soil physical & chemical properties will be measured.