Determine the ecological sustainability of using biochar as a soil amendment, focusing on its impact on forest soils (including carbon storage and nutrient cycling), forest productivity, water quality and air quality. An investigation into the avoided costs and environmental benefits needed in the social and environmental analysis will also begin. Biochar application field studies will support estimation of carbon sequestration potential.
Organizations completing task
- USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
- University of Washington (UW)
- University of Washington Forest Resources LCA
Milestones (yearly level)
- Evaluation of soil amendment treatments and estimate carbon sequestration potential
Deliverables
- Submit research article to peer reviewed publication
- Present research results at scientific conference
Photo essays
Blog posts
- An intro to biochar and our evaluation of its use as a soil amendment
- Update: Biochar study sites on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
- Researcher examines biochar use in forests
Reports
- Scott, D.A., D.S. Page-Dumroese. 2016. Wood bioenergy and soil productivity research. Bioenergy Research. doi: 10.1007/s12155-016-9730-6.
- Jang, W., D.S. Page-Dumroese, and C.R. Keyes. 2016. Long-term changes from forest harvesting and residue management in the northern Rocky Mountains. Soil Science Society of America Journal. doi:10.2136/sssaj2015.11.0413.
- Page-Dumroese D.S., M.R. Ott, D.G. Strawn, and J.M. Tirocke. 2018. Using organic amendments to restore soil physical and chemical properties of a mine site in northeastern Oregon, USA. Association of Scientists in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. ASABE special collection publication. 34(1): 43-55.
- Ott, M. 2016. Using organic amendments to restore degraded mineland soils. MSc Thesis. University of Idaho. 128 p.
