Greenhouse trials on use of biochar versus peat for land reclamation purposes

Experimental testing has been conducted to determine the effect of amendment of soil with mineral fertilizer, biochar, and peat on emergence, survival, establishment, and productivity of northern boreal plant species grown on poor substrates in a controlled environment (in greenhouse). Four species (slender wheatgrass, rocky mountain fescue, American vetch, and common yarrow) were grown in pots containing poor sandy soil amended with mineral fertilizer and/or organic amendments (peat or biochar). The greenhouse temperature, lighting and pot watering regimes simulated the conditions of vegetation growing season in northern boreal forest. The trials showed that mineral fertilizer had a limited ability to promote plant growth compared to peat and biochar. Both types of organic amendments had similar positive effects on the establishment of two test species (American vetch and common yarrow) and on the growth of three test species (slender wheatgrass, rocky mountain fescue and American vetch). Peat had a stronger positive effect on emergence of slender wheatgrass and establishment of rocky mountain, while biochar promoted the common yarrow growth better than peat.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe

Field trials on use of biochar versus peat for land reclamation purposes

Biochar application for revegetation purposes in northern Saskatchewan was studied to determine its effectiveness as a soil amendment in establishing sustainable vegetative soil covers. The abandoned Gunnar Mine Site, located on the northern shore of Lake Athabasca, served as a study area to test the effectiveness of biochar as a soil amendment. Field trials were carried out to compare the effect of biochar and peat application on the growth and establishment of native plant species. The field trials showed that peat promotes vegetation cover establishment better than biochar. Biochar also had a positive effect on vegetation recovery through both establishment of seeded plants and self-establishment of natural invaders (plant species not seeded during the experiment). Peat and biochar had different effects as soil amendments, depending on the plant species. It was shown that both peat and biochar can be used to promote plant establishment and growth, but biochar effectiveness may vary depending on its properties.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe

Environmental, social, and economic benefits of biochar application for land reclamation purposes

Biochar is a solid material produced by pyrolysis of biomass, which was shown to improve soil properties. On the other hand, there are a number of risks and uncertainties associated with its use in land reclamation. This case study is aimed to assess environmental, social, and economical benefits and limitations of biochar use for revegetation projects in northern Saskatchewan. Four revegetation options were examined, i.e. natural restoration, revegetation with peat application, and revegetation with application of commercially or locally produced biochar. The assessment methods included option screening by the expert panel, stakeholder opinion survey, and quantitative assessment (i.e. screening life cycle assessment and life cycle costing analysis). The study results suggest that biochar provides a number of environmental benefits and its on-site production can also provide social benefits and economic opportunities. On the other hand, biochar production and application is expensive and associated with technical risks, which can undermine overall project success. Nevertheless, positive trends in biochar production industry suggest that in the near future this material may serve as an affordable and technically reliable alternative to conventional soil amendments for land reclamation.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe