Biochar agricultural trial revisited

Feb. 19, 2010, Vancouver – An agricultural trial performed in Quebec using biochar
produced by Dynamotive Energy Systems has been revisited in the second year
after application. The trial, carried out by Blueleaf of Drummondville, Quebec,
involved the application of an estimated 3,500 pounds/acre (3.9 tonnes/hectare)
of biochar to one 1,000 square-metre treatment plot. The field also received
lime, manure, and fertilizer. The field was planted with soybean in the first year,
and with a forage mixture in the second year.

Measurements
of the two plots indicated a higher soybean yield in the treated area than in
the untreated area, but this was because of greater plant density, rather than
greater yield per plant. Root nodulation and seed yield per soybean plant were
lower in the treated area than in the untreated area. Forage biomass in the
treated area ranged from 17 to 99% greater than in the untreated area, but the
calculated feed quality, e.g., protein content, was somewhat lower.

Read
the Blueleaf report for full details, including soil physical and chemical
parameters and soil community biodiversity.