Biochar’s effect on carbon dynamics of manure compost, soil, and it’s effect on plant productivity

Abstract Title: Biochar's effect on carbon dynamics of manure compost, soil and it's effect on plant productivity. 

Authors:  Melinda L. Gonzales, Brendan P. Harrison, Touyee Thao, Si Gao, Samuel Lee, Alicia Corcuchia, Gerardo Diaz, Teamrat A. Ghezzehei, Rebecca Ryals  

Abstract: With efforts in California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve agroecosystems, we have investigated the application of biochar to dairy manure composting, to winter wheat, tomato and barley crop systems. We partnered with local growers, biochar producer, and dairy producer in the Central Valley, CA. We observed biochar reduce methane emissions in dairy manure composting up to 83.9% increase water holding capacity and reduce leaching of ammonium in soil while increasing winter wheat biomass. We also observed biochar co-compost application increase both barley and tomato biomass yield, compared to control and fertilizer applications. Biochar has potential to be beneficial in various applications and biochar co-compost has several benefits as a soil amendment and for plant productivity.
 

Keywords: Agricultural wastes managementSoil respirationWettable surface areaMoisture retention curve