From our friends at NRCS: Applying Wood-Based Biochar to Reduce Nutrient Leaching and Results from Biochar Application at a CT Vegetable Farm

Join this webinar during which the presenters will discuss the effects of different soil carbon amendments types (compost and biochar) and rates on nutrient retention, soil water content, and different soil chemical properties such as cation exchange capacity and pH, as well as its effects on crop yields.

Presenters:

• Dr. Huijie Gan, Assistant Professor of Soil Health & Nutrient Management, Virginia Tech – School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Blacksburg, Va

• Julie McGivern, State Agronomist, NRCS Connecticut

Biochar has been used for thousands of years to improve agricultural soils around the world, but what is its effect on soils in the Northeastern US? In this presentation, Dr. Huijie Gan will share results from studies of biochar funded by Connecticut NRCS’s Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG). Experiments were done to see how different biochar sources (hardwood and softwood feedstocks) and different application strategies (application rate, mix with other organic amendments) affected nutrient retention and plant performance in sandy loam soils. An on-farm trial at Fort Hill Farm in New Milford, CT was conducted as part of the project. Results of the effect of biochar and biochar plus compost amendments on soil physical and chemical properties plus crop yields will be shared. Information on cost-share funding for NRCS’s Conservation Practice Standard 336 Soil Carbon Amendment will also be provided by staff from NRCS CT.

 

This webinar is presented by USDA NRCS Science and Technology. Contact Jennifer Ryan, Science & Technology Training Library content manager, for more information about this webinar.

 

Audio is Computer Broadcast only | Live captions

 

NOTE: A “view” button will be available within one week of the live presentation date to access the on-demand recording of this webinar.