Presentation by- Phal Mantha, Director of Agriculture and Sustainability

Biochar and Bioreactors for Farm Fields

Biochar- Background Information

Biochar is derived from the pyrolytic decomposition of various feedstock materials including agricultural wastes, lignocellulosic biomass, animal manures, etc.

It has enormous utility in a wide range of applications including agriculture, animal husbandry, environmental management/remediation, water purification/filtration, etc.

It is important to note that not all biochar is created equal! Biochar characteristics vary significantly depending on feedstock material, pyrolysis temperature, pyrolysis regimes, and specific treatment methods.

Provides a “carbon-link” between soil biology and physical chemistry”

Biochar- Background Information

Biochar helps soil hold moisture into dry seasons (Basso et al 2012). It also-

(i)improves soil tilth (ii)reduces soil bulk density (iii)increases soil water holding capacity/plant available water (iv)increases soil CEC (v) improves nutrient uptake/reduces leaching from the rhizosphere (vi) supports soil microbial life/biodiversity (vii) improves plant tolerance to drought, salt, heavy metal toxicity.

Properties Of Land Applied Biochar-

Biochar- Implications for Farmers, Land Owners, and Environmental Managers

Biochar can significantly increase yields in production agriculture.

It provides a stable, non-labile form of soil carbon that is persistent and stores plant available water, nutrients, and provides a home for beneficial symbiotic fungi and bacteria in the rhizosphere.

It can also function as a microbial carrier serving as a bio-fertilizer for improving plant growth.

Exciting applications include (i) the development of biochar compound fertilizers custom tailored for specific crops and fields and (ii) the co-composting of biochar with various manures for enhanced nutrient recovery.

Biochar- Implications for Farmers, Land Owners, and Environmental Managers

Biochar is an invaluable tool in animal husbandry and livestock operations. It has been added to animal stalls to capture ammonia and urea before volatilization/losses, It can be added directly to animal feed to improve pastureland and animal health, and can be co composted with manures to make high-quality organic fertilizers from waste streams.

Biochar- Implications for Farmers, Land Owners, and Environmental Managers

Fifty-six percent of the 751 million acres of forest land in the United States is privately owned. Of this private forest land, 62 percent is owned by families and individuals in what we call “family forests”.

Most biochar plant growth studies have been performed on field and horticultural crops, however, there are a growing number of studies on biochar and forest species.

A meta-analysis of these studies on responses of woody forest plants to biochar (Thomas & Gale 2015) found a significant tree growth response to biochar, with an average 41% increase in biomass.

Biochar- Implications for Farmers, Land Owners, and Environmental Managers

Biochar- Implications for Farmers, Land Owners, and Environmental Managers

Bioreactor Background Information

Different types of bioreactors- Denitrifying, P-adsorbing/reducing, Heavy Metal Sorbing, etc.

A bioreactor is an underground reactor filled with a specialized or engineered media designed to reduce/adsorb specific contaminants.

Biochar is invaluable for environmental remediation.

It can be used in various BMP’s -improving the performance of denitrifying bioreactors, P- sorption filters, heavy metal sorption filters and to treat various agricultural and industrial effluents such as livestock manure and Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) scrubber effluent.

Biochar works well in combination with a wide variety BMP’s such as bioreactors, bioswales, denitrifying curtains, treatment wetlands, and various polishing steps.

Biochar- Implications for Farmers, Land Owners, and Environmental Managers

Bioreactor Background Information

Passive Technology to convert Nitrate into N2 gas.

“Edge of Field” Practice

Gravity Fed

Low Maintenance

Highly Efficient Removal

Bioreactor Background Information

Bioreactor Implications for Farmers, Land Owners, and Environmental Managers

Bioreactors and other BMPS can be used by farmers, land owners, and environmental managers to effectively manage nutrients and pollutants on their land and in their surface/shallow ground waters.

They can provide an effective, passive, and low- maintenance solution to these problems

Exciting applications for bioreactors include (i) the use of low power wide area networks for real time monitoring of nutrient reduction(ii) Nutrient credits and trading regimes to bring extra income to landowners.

To date, Ridge To Reefs has put in 7 bioreactors and 3 denitrifying curtains in the Mid- Atlantic.

We are looking forward to working closely with landowners to improve the Chesapeake bay and other watersheds by implementing effective and innovative practices on farms.

Any Questions/Comments?

Bioreactors in the Mid-Atlantic

Special Thanks To…

Everyone who attended and participated in this session!