Comparison between different biochar activation times
admin — May 23, 2009 - 19:18
Goal:
This experiment aims at testing the influence of amendments of compost and biochar (with different activation times) on the quality and fertility of the soil, compared to the traditional (chemical) fertilization usually applied in this region.
Design:
The test area is composed of 56 square plots, 5 meters long and 1 meter wide each, separated by a space of about about half a meter. The area is chosen in a place where the soil composition is as uniform as possible, without any known irregularity such as creek, underground spring or soil accumulation.
Fieldmap:
Amendment:
The amendments are composed of compost and biochar with 4 different activation times: 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. All the different (biochar + compost) amendments are repeated 4 times with and 4 times without traditional (chemical) fertilization. An activation time of N days means that the biochar was mixed with the compost N days before the amendment was added in the soil.
Preparation:
The required quantities of biochar, compost and fertilizer are weighted, mixed and displayed on the corresponding plots in a layer that should be as uniform as possible. The amendment is then incorporated uniformly in the soil by tillage (up to a depth of 5-10 cm).