Thesis
Understanding the role of biochar in agriculture
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
08/2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004250
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/118656
Abstract
Biochar (BC) is the carbon-rich product derived from pyrolysis of plant biomass. While currently gaining traction for agro-ecosystem services, it was utilized by ancient farmers to improve soil health. BC, based on its recalcitrance index, can be retained in the soil for several hundred years, thereby aiding in long-term carbon sequestration. Several recent studies have demonstrated BC's ability to positively impact soil health by changing its physical, chemical and biological properties. BC has also been shown to positively impact plant growth and development, and yields; however, contradictory results have also been reported. The variation in the results could be attributed to several variables like type of feedstock used to produce the biochar, pyrolysis conditions, preexisting conditions of the soil and type of crop. In this study, the impact of wheat-derived BC on the agronomic performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) var 'Oregon Spring' was evaluated. BC was added to the organic Palouse soil on the Washington State University Eggert Organic Farm at a rate of 1 and 2 ton/ha. The control and treatment plants were identical in their agronomic performance based on the quantification of above ground shoot biomass, yield and fruit quality. The addition of BC resulted in carbon sequestration in an organic production system, which represents healthy soils with adequate organic content. These observations in the context of other published studies indicate that BC may have a significant influence on soil health and crop performance when used in water depleted conditions or when soil health is marginal. In healthy soils, it is able to aid in carbon sequestration. However, the long-term effects of BC amendment in organic soils remains to be determined.
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Details
- Title
- Understanding the role of biochar in agriculture
- Creators
- Elvir Tenic
- Contributors
- Amit Dhingra (Chair) - Washington State University, Department of HorticultureKaren Sanguinet (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Department of Crop and Soil SciencesMark Joseph Pavek (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Department of Horticulture
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Horticulture
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 196
- Identifiers
- 99900896418101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis