October 28, 2008

U.S. Department of Agriculture to Evaluate CQuest™ Biochar

Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement Signed

The objective of the biochar research is to quantify the effects of amending soils with CQuest™ Biochar on crop productivity, soil quality, carbon sequestration and water quality.  Field trials will involve incorporation of biochar in replicated field plots and on-farm strip trials with monitoring of crop yields, soil quality, water quality, emissions of greenhouse gasses, and soil carbon sequestration. Laboratory studies will involve amending soils with biochar and quantifying changes in soil quality and microbial activity during incubations.

Biochar will be shipped from Dynamotive’s West Lorne facility to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) locations in Iowa, South Carolina, Idaho, Washington, and other ARS locations. Initial results are expected during the 2009 growing season.

CQuest™ Biochar

Shipment of CQuest™ Biochar to USDA (ARS) Location

CQuest ™ Biochar Related Articles

Biomass Magazine
Pyrolysis Char Rejuvenates Tired Soils Jerry W. Kram (external link)

AG Professional
Enhancing Soil Productivity with Char Colleen Scherer (pdf format)

Green Energy News
Terra Preta: Sequestering Carbon In Soil (external link)

Scientific American.com (sciam.com)
Special Report: Inspired by Ancient Amazonians, a Plan to Convert Trash into Environmental Treasure
Anne Casselman (External Link)