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