Anion adsorption (negative ions) Huge capacity: micropores Unique ability among soil components

1. PARADIGM SHIFT Biochar Properties Anion Exchange Capacity (AEC) Study Objectives Quantify Phosphorus adsorption & availability in biochar: 1) corn stover (Zea mays L.) 2) pine wood residue (Pinus ponderosa) 3) switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). Anionadsorption (negative ions) Huge capacity: micropores Unique ability among soil components Increase AEC tremendously (+10–20) Form nutrient reservoirs in soil matrix pine wood biochar: very different chemical character than corn stover and switchgrass P adsorption corn stover highest - avg: 79%) switchgrass - avg: 76%) pine wood residue - avg: 31%) Available P (bicarbonate extract) % of adsorbed P pine wood residue highest - avg: 43% switchgrass - avg: 33% corn stover - avg: 25% Biochar added to acid soil (at 40 g/kg = 4%) increased equilibrium P (reduced adsorption) increased available adsorbed P Alkali biochar in calcareous soil (corn stover & switchgrass) significantly increased P adsorption decreased adsorbed P availability Nitrogen Major non-point water pollutant Half of US Hydrogen production Nitrogen into Amino Acids into Proteins Reduce nitrate leaching 40-80% Reduce NOx, NH4out-gassing: adsorption Nitrogen, Phosphorus & Microbes Nitrogen-cycle bacteria Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria Phosphorus, fungi & biochar Challenges to handle living cultures Probiotic: create microbe-friendly soil Reduce non-point pollution Curb eutrophication Phosphorus Peak Phosphorus: supply limited Major non-point water pollutant Phosphorus availability in soil UVM Burlington & Lake Champlain Phosphorus traps vs. broadcast Toxic Algae Blooms Lake Erie 2013 Phosphate & Nitrate Pollution Cation Exchange Capacity Anion Exchange Capacity Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium Phosphorus Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chlorine most Trace Elements Nitrogen Nitrogen, Boron, Iodine