Ember to Earth - best practices for biochar application on small to medium farms in the NY North Country

Commodities

Practices

• Crop Production: application rate management, nutrient management
• Education and Training: demonstration, on-farm/ranch research, workshop
• Natural Resources/Environment: soil stabilization
• Soil Management: soil microbiology, soil quality/health

This project seeks to increase biochar application among farmers by determining and sharing region-specific, best-practices. The extent to which biochar improves yield and soil properties is dependent on soil type and concentration of biochar added, however little data is available to make application rate recommendations for specific soil types. Through experimental trials at three farms, optimal biochar concentrations will be identified for soils commonly found in the NY North Country. Results will be shared through workshops, curriculum development, a case study, and compilation of best practices and resources to facilitate increased rates of best practice biochar application on regional farms.

Three farms will evaluate the impacts of three biochar concentrations (none, 1 or 10 tons/hectare) on a short season crop. Soil properties will be measured before planting, mid-trial, and at harvest. Marketable yield and foliar nutrient concentrations will be assessed at harvest. Results will determine optimal biochar concentrations for particular soil types. Findings will be integrated into a best practices summary which will serve as the basis for workshops to be conducted in Year 2. Workshops will focus on the integration of biochar into soil health strategies, sourcing quality biochar, the relationship between baseline soil qualities and application rates, and aligning the benefits of biochar with soil health baseline conditions. A case study will be completed including best practices and resources and will be shared widely.

1. Increase research-based data to support best practices for biochar applications relative to baseline soil conditions in the NY North Country.
2. Create a framework for farmers to make soil health improvement decisions, such as biochar application, based on baseline conditions - eg - one size does not fit all.
3. Increase farmer knowledge and application of best biochar application practices.
4. Increase farmer awareness of the benefits of biochar on soil health and crop production.
5. Empower farmers to seek local sources of biochar, or to generate their own.
6. Increase rates of biochar application by NY farmers.
7. Increase farmer awareness about the various grades of biochar, each of their uses and options for integrating biochar into growing practices (eg compost, direct to soil, top dress, mixed with irrigation, etc.)