Goal Ho`oponopono Correct the imbalance Make it right 1. Reduce atmospheric CO2 levels by sequestering carbon in the form of biochar in soil 2. Become self reliant again for energy use and food production

Objective Kuleana Assume responsibility 1. Burn local biomass for energy and carbon sequestration 2. Improve agricultural sustainability by biochar carbon sequestration

Kauai “The Garden Island”

Lack of Soil Renewal in Hawai -Volcanic eruptions -Glaciation -Uplift -Loess -Vegetation

Andisols Histisols Oxisols Vertisols Tradewinds

Vertisol Oxisol Andisol

Kauai Oxisol Test Soils ParameterConditionTarget pH< P ppm7 – 20> 30 K ppm40 – 70> 250 Ca ppm 1500 Mg ppm 400

Kauai Oxisol Soils - Some of the most weathered soils in the world -Clay soil but all silicon leached - ore-level richness in iron and aluminum oxides -Very low cation exchange capacity -Fixes phosphates and nitrates -Very low pH

Photo Kauai soil road cut Calcium Silicate added

Feedstock tested: Albizzia Java Plum

Biochar Production -Barrel retort -APL char retort -Pit -Microwave catalyst

Experimental Design 1 -Control, Char 40, Fertilizer, Char 40 + Fertilizer -10 replicates Experimental Design 2 -Control, Char 5+F, Char 10+F, Char 20 +F, Char 40+F, Fertilizer -5 replicates Fertilizer application = 1.0 lb mix per 100 square foot equivalent, or 400 lbs per acre

Tomato Experiment 19 Total Reproductive Structures

Peppers

Fertilizer only Char 40 + Fert

Fertilizer only Char 40 + Fert

Control Biochar + Fertilizer Fertilizer Root Development

Conclusions Based on Greenhouse Trials Using Kauai Soils -Biochar alone does not improve plant growth or reproduction., must have nutrient inputs -All biochars seem to convey the same benefits when nutrients are added -In general, increasing application rates of biochar+fert increased plant growth. -Biochar amended soils retain benefits through several plantings -Benefits of biochar were primarily seen in reproduction

Mahalo UH-CCRT, NSF, HMI