Effect of Fast Pyrolysis Biochar On Selected Phyical Properties of Two Iowa Soils.

Biochar, a carbon rich product produced by anaerobic heating of carbonaceous material (process known as pyrolysis) has received much attention as a promising solution not only for better management of soil physical, chemical and biological properties favorable to agricultural production and environmental quality, but also as a tool for long term C sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Research suggests improvement in crop yields and beneficial soil properties, decrease in nutrient losses from soil and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Research involving biochar in soils is still at an early stage, and more work is required to investigate biochar effects on a wider range of soils under different climatic and management conditions. We are using two biochars – Switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum,L.) and Corn Stover (Zea Mays,L.), (Fast Pyrolysis Biochars, 500⁰C) to study the effects of biochar type and application rates on soil water retention, saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_sat) of soil and soil thermal properties ( Volumetric heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity) under laboratory conditions. Two Iowa soils of different textures will be used to do a comparative study of biochar effects in different soils. The outcomes of this analysis will complement the ongoing work to study biochar effects on soil properties.