Grantee Research Project Results
Producing Biochar on Small Farms to Enhance Soil Fertility and Provide Heat
EPA Grant Number: SU835319Title: Producing Biochar on Small Farms to Enhance Soil Fertility and Provide Heat
Investigators: Teel, Wayne
Current Investigators: Teel, Wayne , Spencer, Brett , Brown, Christopher , Sumpter, Collin , Mulford, Erica , McNabola, Jason , Coffman, Jennifer , Ferenbaugh, Joy , Kendle, Logan , Sniezek, Mary , Mello, Sarah , Wert, Tyler
Institution: James Madison University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2012 through August 14, 2013
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2012) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The primary objective of this project is to design and build two biochar pyrolysis systems on two Shenandoah farms, with each system adapted to the particular need of that farm. The systems will produce biochar that will subsequently be composted with farm manure and other nutrient sources and prepared for application on farm land. This biochar will increase the nutrient and moisture holding capacity of the soil, increase farm productivity and reduce potential nutrient pollution problems in their respective watersheds.
Approach:
The pyrolysis systems are designed to use agricultural and woody waste material to make biochar. We will work directly with the farmers to design the system so that they provide both biochar and process heat. The ways farmers choose to use this heat will vary depending on the specific needs of the farm. This will limit their need for fossil fuel generated sources of energy and the related costs. Biochar is a high temperature charcoal that is light and highly porous. It is known to capture and hold onto agricultural nutrients such as ammonium ions and phosphates, limit losses of these nutrients to water bodies, while at the same time making the nutrients available to plants. Techniques for composting the biochar with nutrient sources like manure, poultry litter and farm waste will be tested to maximize their effectiveness on crops and pasture land. This could significantly lower the costs of inputs for the farmers since both nitrogen and phosphorus are high budget items. We will also work with JMU’s Institute for Energy and Environmental Research to promote the results of this research to relevant agricultural operations in the broader Shenandoah Valley Community.
Expected Results:
The end results will include a working biochar pyrolysis unit and an effective and operational composting system on each of the two farms. These systems will produce a high quality agricultural input for crop and pasture land as well as energy for farm use. We do not expect to know the exact benefit to the farmer in terms of crop yield and pasture productivity in the time frame of this project grant. However, some qualitative evaluation of the impact of composted biochar will be done.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.