Student Research Reveals Effects of Biochar and Poultry Litter Combination on Tomato Crops

A University of Georgia study funded by a Southern SARE Graduate Student Grant revealed the effectiveness of combined biochar and poultry litter on improving soil health and tomato crop yield. The study evaluated how additions of biochar and either poultry litter or synthetic fertilizers affected plasticulture tomato crops. Researchers found that the biochar soil amendment helped with carbon sequestration, pH stability, and crop quality, but the biochar and poultry litter combination also improved plant vigor and crop yield. In addition, at the end of the two-year study, researchers found improved soil health with the biochar/poultry mix compared to the biochar/synthetic fertilizer mix.

Related ATTRA publication: Ferments and Biochar: A Practical Guide to Utilizing Local Resources