OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) and DynaMotive Energy Systems Corporation (OTCBB: DYMTF) announce the first CQuest™ Biochar field trial in Ontario.

According to the International Biochar Initiative , “ Biochar is a 2,000 year-old practice that converts agricultural waste into a soil enhancer that can hold carbon, boost food security and discourage deforestation. The carbon in biochar resists degradation and can remain viable in soils for hundreds to thousands of years. Biochar is produced through pyrolysis or gasification — processes that heat biomass in the absence (or under reduction) of air. The process creates a fine-grained, highly porous charcoal that helps soils retain nutrients and water.”

While intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta) has led to a wider appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil enhancer, it is intriguing to speculate whether there might be similar effects on productivity in our temperate region soils, but little testing of these materials has been done as yet.

A start to finding the answer to this question is a field plot that has been established on a farm near Shakespeare. The local farmer supplied the test field plot, biochar application support and GPS mapping; Dynamotive Energy Systems Corp. supplied CQuest ™ Biochar made from its fast pyrolysis process; and Staff from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs will be assisting in the monitoring and interpretation of the data from the plot. Large enough strips to accommodate conventional harvesting equipment have been laid out in the field, alternate strips have received CQuest biochar and the entire plot will be monitored over the next growing season to determine if there are any differences in the growth or yield of the grain corn crop that will be planted in the field.

Tom Bouchard, Chief Operating Officer from Dynamotive commented, “Many studies are underway regarding biochar efficacy as a soil enhancement, but each soil type, climate and crop variation provides a new opportunity to generate useful field data. We are pleased to be working with OMAFRA and progressive farmers in Ontario to continue adding to the body of knowledge regarding biochar.” Keith Reid, Soil Fertility Specialist from OMAFRA added, “While many questions remain about the best way to use biochar for the greatest benefit here in Ontario, the process of finding the answers has begun.”

For details, please visit the Ministry’s website Here.

Contact:
D. Keith Reid, M.Sc., CCA-Ont., Soil Fertility Specialist
Tel: 519.271.9269

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