Biochar transnational field trials in the North Sea Region

Biochar has shown to have positive impacts on soil characteristics and crop growth in tropical regions, but little is known about the effect of biochar in temperate climates. Before biochar becomes an agronomical success, consistent improvement of soil quality and crop yields after biochar application must be documented for a range of soil types and climates. If a new agricultural practice is not reinforced by an on going perception that benefits outweigh costs, the changes will only be temporary. Transfer of knowledge and experience about soil incorporation of biochar at the farmer field scale is the key for success for introducing biochar to future farming systems. The EU Interreg IVB North Sea Region project ‘Biochar: climate saving soils’ aims to demonstrate the potential of biochar as a soil amendment in temperate climates. In autumn 2011, the consortium established a transnational biochar field trial. Participating countries are the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, UK, Denmark and Norway. In each country, the same wood-based biochar is applied in 3 or 4 replicates at a rate of 20 ton per hectare and the effect of biochar on soil and crop growth characteristics is compared against 3 or 4 control plots. In most countries, the 2012 crop is spring barley. This poster presents the characteristics of the biochar used and the first results measured, including mineral nitrogen evolution in the 0-90 cm soil layer during winter, crop growth and soil moisture characteristics.