Biochar Application Provides Long-term Soil Benefits

Researchers at Oregon State University and Washington State University evaluated a long-term experiment on the use of biochar as a soil amendment. The study tested biochar made from forest waste and applied once in 2013 on cropland in a winter wheat–spring pea rotation. Researchers compared test plots treated at three different rates with plots that received no biochar and with plots that received nitrogen fertilizer alone. The results showed that the one-time biochar application continued to improve soil conditions for more than 10 years. The biochar application increased soil pH, which resulted in improved nutrient availability in the soil. In addition, the biochar amendment produced lasting gains in soil organic carbon. Biochar addition also improved crop performance, although the improvement varied by crop and application rate, indicating a need to tailor biochar applications to specific crops and soil conditions for optimal results.