Biochar: Carbon Mitigation from the Ground Up
2009
Biochar: Carbon Mitigation from the Ground Up
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): David J. Tenenbaum
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Can burying biomass-derived charcoal, or biochar, improve soil fertility and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Conclusion
Biochar can enhance soil fertility and has the potential to sequester significant amounts of carbon in the soil.
Supporting Evidence
- Biochar can lock up carbon in the soil for centuries and improve soil fertility.
- Studies show that biochar plus compost or fertilizers can significantly increase crop yields.
- Biochar enhances soil aeration and beneficial microbial activity, which helps plants grow.
Takeaway
Biochar is a special type of charcoal that helps soil grow better and keeps carbon from going back into the air.
Methodology
The study involved testing the impact of biochar on soil fertility and its ability to sequester carbon.
Limitations
The estimates of biochar's impact on carbon sequestration are theoretical and not fully tested at the necessary scale.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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