Delving into Biochar by Scott Jamison
Uncategorized
The Wisdom of Agricultural Co-Composting of Biochar and Animal Manure
SoilMatrix Newsletter No. 17
The Wisdom of Agricultural Co-Composting of Biochar and Animal Manure
The topic of co-composting animal manures with biochar has risen in importance since about 2010 with the publication of an increasing number of research papers on this topic, including an astounding research discovery at the Canadian Light Source facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This research demonstrated the way in which organic materials physically coat the surfaces of biochar particles over a period of time during co-composting of biomass with biochar 2.
Land application of compost is an age-old agricultural method of returning nutrients to soils. However, compost additions to soils can result in substantial emissions of greenhouse gas, especially N2O, which needs to be controlled during making and using compost containing high N-loads, such as chicken manure. Some farmers in some countries are now pursuing the option of adding granulated biochar to animal bedding for the co-benefits of improving animal health and enhancing the eventual composting value of this material. The eventual applications of co-composted biochar-manure mixtures is demonstrating benefits for soils and plants.
SoilMatrix Biochar Presenting at ASTech Foundation’s “Next Gen Innovators Showcase, Nov. 3, 2017”
SoilMatrixNewsletter No. 11
November, 2017
As you may have already heard, I have been busy presenting and promoting the “Biochar Revolution” for soil health at as many events as possible. The next opportunity is November 3, 2017 at the Telus Spark (aka – The Science Centre) building, Calgary, Alberta. I will have a display in one of the centre’s open areas and you are welcome to come and visit me – your friendly soil geek. Here is additional information about the event:
Event: ASTech Next Gen Innovator’s Showcase
When: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, November 3, 2017
Where: TELUS Spark in Calgary – 220 St. Georges Drive N. E.
Parking: Available on the west side of the building for $5.00
What: The ASTech Foundation will be presenting awards to this this year’s best innovators in the areas of: Energy, Agriculture, Health, Technology, Start-ups, and Science Fair Innovators. It will be an excellent opportunity for students, startups, and industry veterans to connect with one another and get inspired for the journey ahead!
Find out more and register here: ASTech Foundation Next Gen Innovators Showcase Information and Registration
For this occasion I have produced a two-minute iMovie which explains why I see the use of biochar for soil regeneration in Alberta to be more important than ever.
To watch the video, just follow the link… AirTerra’s ASTech Event Video
Now that you know all about it, I hope to see you there so we can encourage other innovators, be inspired by them, and participate in a stimulating discussion about the path forward.
Thank you for your interest in this topic. We will see you at the end of November.
Copyright ©_2017 AirTerra, All rights reserved.
Biochar – What’s good, not so good, and what’s not fully understood
SoilMatrix Newsletter No. 7
July, 2017
It’s mid-summer, so let’s enjoy it while it lasts.
This is how the SoilMatrix Garden looked on Thursday, July 27, 2017.
The romaine at the front corner is being consumed (by us). It is also being invaded by the zucchini (must remember not to plant so much of it next year). Once again, this garden is receiving no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides and as little city of Calgary water as possible. We are attempting to bring the soil health up to a level where all of these inputs are happening below ground level via our soil life food web friends.
In this newsletter we will provide a few links to research that indicates the various benefits of biochar soil amendments. I spent some time compiling these for your learning so you can read for yourself how biochar amendments make a difference to your flower and/or vegetable garden.