Soil quality, crop productivity and SOM priming in biochar and wood-ash amended soils Eleanor (Swain) Reed1*, David Chadwick1, Paul Hill1, Davey Jones1 1School of Environment, Natural Resources & Geography, Bangor University, Bangor, UK *Now at: Wardell Armstrong LLP, Newcastle, UK 19th April 2016 EGU16

Introduction Introduction to Biochar and Wood Ash Long term Biochar versus Wood Ash Agronomic Field Trial Key results Biochar versus Wood Ash Carbon Priming Experiment Conclusions Biochar & Wood ash Long term Trial with long term CO2 flux chambers at Henfaes Farm, Bangor University (Photo: E Reed, 27/03/2015)

Biochar Carbon sequestration in soil using biochar Potential secondary agronomic benefits The main draw back of the use of this commercial product in Welsh agriculture is the current legislative ban on its application to land. Prove it has no negative effects on soil quality or land management Powdered biochar used in the long term field trial at Henfaes Farm, Bangor University (Photo: E Reed, 19/03/2015)

Wood Ash Residue remaining after the combustion of wood Acts as a liming agent Neutralizes soil acidity Reduces Al toxicity Potential secondary agronomic benefits source of Ca, K, Mg and P Wood ash used in the long term field trial at Henfaes Farm, Bangor University (Photo: E Reed, 19/03/2015)

Long term Biochar versus Wood Ash Agronomic Field Trial Experimental Aims: Directly compare the agronomic value of BC versus WA when used in grassland management Evaluate the impact of BC and WA on soil quality at the field scale over multiple seasons http://komconsultants.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/britain-bangor.jpg http://www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy/research/facilities/henfaes_wood_ash.php.en

Long term Biochar versus Wood Ash Agronomic Field Trial Experimental Set-Up: Randomised block design field trial Biochar was added at 10 t ha-1 Wood ash was added at a rate equivalent to 10 t ha-1 of biochar which equated to 0.57 t ha-1 (i.e. ash content of biochar ca. 5.7%)

Results on Crop Productivity Potentially N limited as no fertilizer application was applied. Biochar & Wood ash Long term Trial at Henfaes Farm, Bangor University (Photo: E Reed, 07/10/2014)

Results on Soil Quality The application of biochar had a significant effect on: soil moisture; soil pH; soil organic matter (SOM); soil organic carbon (SOC). The wood ash amendment had a significant effect on: soil pH

Results on Soil Quality

Field Trial Conclusions This study confirms the ability of biochar to sequester carbon Biochar promotes the long term conservation of soil moisture Optimum soil pH can reduce the mobility of potentially toxic elements and limit plant uptake There were no nutritional benefits to the crop Grass seed application at the long term field trial at Henfaes. (Photo: E Reed, 11/09/2014)

Biochar versus Wood Ash Carbon Priming Experiment Experimental Aims: Evaluate the SOC priming capacity of biochar and wood ash using 14C- labelled native SOC Mineralization of native SOC can be enhanced or decreased by the introduction of substrates in soils (i.e. positive or negative priming) Biochar & Wood ash Carbon Priming Experiment, Bangor University (Photo: E Reed, 07/03/2015)

Biochar versus Wood Ash Carbon Priming Experiment Experimental Set-Up: Using soil previously labelled with 14C organic matter amended with biochar or wood ash. Biochar and Wood ash were added at rates comparable to the field trial ( i.e. 10 t ha-1 and 0.57 t ha-1). The rates of 14CO2 production was measured over 50 days. Biochar & Wood ash Carbon Priming Experiment, Bangor University (Photo: E Reed, 07/03/2015)

Conclusions Substrate co-application to land: Increase C sequestration via Biochar and Reduce native SOC turnover via Wood Ash

Acknowledgements Any Questions? Prof. Davey Jones Prof. Dave Chadwick Dr. Paul Hill Lab Technicians: Sarah Chesworth & Gordon Turner Field Technicians: John Evans & Alex King Henfaes Staff: Llinos Hughes & Mark Hughes Any Questions? Photo: E Reed, 05/09/2014