Soil Remediation with Biochar.

Biochar, produced by pyrolisis of manure, can increase soil water holding capacity, improve soil structure, and supply essential plant nutrients. Given the rapid urbanization of Virginia, the potential for biochar to serve as a pre-plant incorporated soil remediation tool for poor quality, disturbed soils is great, with the largest potential acreages of soil remediation emerging where construction is occurring and for sod production.  Preliminary studies conducted at Virginia Tech show that biochar provides plant available Phosphorous, greatly increases soil organic matter levels, and doubles the water holding capacity in a sandy loam.  Each of these characteristics improves the chances of successful turfgrass establishment by preventing soil erosion and movement of sediments into water sources.   However, dissolved salts in the biochar can decrease the rate at which it may be applied.  Therefore, this study evaluated the germination and continued survival of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in a controlled greenhouse environment.  There were eleven treatments replicated three times.  Treatments consisted of clay subsoil without amendments, clay soil with 280 kg ha^-1 Phosphorous and 10,746 kg ha^-1 pelletized Lime (as per soil test recommendations), and clay soil with biochar at the following percentages: 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 15%, and 20% on a weight per weight basis (w/w).  Each treatment had a total weight of 500 g and received 48.8 kg ha^-1 of Nitrogen.  Germination trays were maintained under misters to maintain acceptable germination conditions.  Upon completion of the experiments, trends indicate germination is possible up to 20% biochar; however optimal germination and plant survival were achieved 0.5 – 2 % biochar w/w.