By Scout Nelson
A fall biochar field day creates open discussion and hands on learning about the benefits of using eastern redcedar biochar as a soil amendment. The event focuses on improving soil health while reducing input costs and environmental impacts.
During the field day, participants learn how replacing part of traditional fertilizer with biochar allows crops to maintain yields while using less nitrogen fertilizer and water. “Our biggest argument is always: put biochar in the soil, produce the same amount of crop, but use less nitrogen fertilizer and water,” Kaiser said. “Make it more input efficient. If you save water and irrigation water, that saves money. If you save nitrogen fertilizer, that saves money.”
Eastern Redcedar Biochar also offers environmental benefits. Eastern redcedar is an invasive species that disrupts native grasslands, reduces forage, and increases wildfire risk. Removing these trees and converting them into biochar helps manage the invasive species while supporting productive land use. Biochar also helps protect groundwater quality. “Because biochar helps to keep nitrate in the soil, then the nitrate doesn't go into the groundwater and cannot be converted to nitrous oxide,” Kaiser said. “So it's a win-win-win situation.”
The field day explains that biochar must be mixed into the soil to be effective. Surface application does not improve nutrient or water retention and may lead to material loss from wind or water. “The big aim is that we put biochar in the soil, increase the carbon which can be sold as carbon credits and that we increase the resource efficiency,” Kaiser said.
Carbon credit exchanges allow organizations to offset emissions by purchasing credits from those who reduce or store greenhouse gases. “This is a potential revenue stream for farmers who apply biochar and then can certify the carbon content in their soil that is increased and potentially get money back for it,” Kaiser said.
The event includes live demonstrations showing how biochar is produced using controlled systems such as an Oregon Kiln. “We had about 30 attendees from construction companies, tree service, farmers, NRCS, NPPD and someone from biochar fertilizer production,” Kaiser said. “During the burning there was a lot of time to talk about benefits of biochar, problems in production, distribution, where to apply and how to apply. There was a lot of communication among all attendees.”
Participants leave with biochar samples and a clear understanding of how eastern redcedar biochar can support soil health, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Nebraska, Energy, Sustainable Agriculture