| History |
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CHARnet started in 2007 with the first multi-location biochar project that utilized a fat-pyrolysis hardwood biochar that was applied to 6 locations. At this time it was named the "ARS Biochar and Pyrolysis Initiative"
“USDA-ARS: Biochar and Pyrolysis Initiative”
- Lead by Dr. David Laird (Ames, IA)
- Organized a multi-location field project following a set protocol and all locations using the same hardwood biochar source.
- 16 published manuscripts
- Difficulties with this approach
- Differences in field management; climate; tillage practices; etc.
- How can other locations join in? (Not possible in this design)
New locations offset in time/new variables confound comparisons (Added KY in 2008)
- 2014- 2017 : D4F ‘Designchar4Food’
“FACCE-JPI/NIFA funded biochar research proposal” (3 year)
(ARS Locations Florence, SC, St. Paul, MN, and Kimberley, ID)
Objective: Investment in biochar technologies to reduce GHG emissions while also increasing soil C sequestration and fertility of agricultural soils
Provided a set of “designer biochars” with established properties to conduct laboratory evaluations on soil fertility and N dynamics
Assembled a collaborative team from USA, Germany, and Spain. CHARnet was formed.
Meta-analyses were completed during this project:
- Nutrient content of biochar as a function of feedstock and temperatures
- Nitrate/nitrite leaching and N-sorption experiments
- N2O emissions
