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Biochar Application in Potato Production

https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/35876
Biochar is an organic amendment produced by the process called pyrolysis, which is the burning of biomass in a limited oxygen environment. It can be produced using different biomass types, for example, switch grass, corn residue, or hardwoods. Potential benefits of biochar in cropping systems could include nutrient recycling, soil conditioning, and long-term carbon sequestration. Research in corn and soybean production systems has shown promising results with biochar application, however, research in vegetable cropping systems is lacking.
Category: 
Research Reports
Tags: 
pyrolysis, biomass, commercial, potato, yield

Biochar as a Soil Amendment for Vegetable Production

https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/35753
Environmental concerns and the price of fossil fuels have encouraged research on technologies to utilize biomass in energy production. Some technologies being investigated for their potential to provide energy involve a process known as pyrolysis. One of the byproducts of pyrolysis is called biochar. Biochar has shown potential to improve plant and soil health on several unproductive soils around the world. Much of the research on the use of biochar in Iowa soils has been focused around agronomic crops with little research into how it may affect vegetable production systems.
Category: 
Research Reports
Tags: 
biomass, pyrolysis, bell peppers

Effect of Biochar on Sweet Corn Production

https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/35770
Biochar is an organic amendment produced by a process called pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the burning of biomass in a limited oxygen environment. In the recent past, agricultural use of biochar has been steadily increasing and attracting research interest. Biochar has been shown to reduce leaching of critical nutrients thereby providing greater soil availability and crop uptake. Potential use of biochar in cropping systems could include nutrient recycling, soil conditioning, and long-term carbon sequestration.
Category: 
Research Reports
Tags: 
pyrolysis, biorenewable resource, water quality, soil quality