Canada

The biochar being applied to the field prior to incorporation and seeding.

Diacarbon and BC Hydro are conducting a field trial examining the effect of biochar on barley growth. They are measuring growth, soil temperature, and nutrient levels.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) authorized this first of its kind testing in BC following Diacarbon’s lab results that showed that biochar improves water retention, root development, and fresh yields of barley using soils from the Peace River Region.

This field test covers 1200 square meters of the Peace River Region in seven randomized blocks with four biochar rates and a control. This test will not be irrigated.

For further information: http://www.diacarbon.com/diacarbon-establishes-bcs-first-biochar-field-t...

Project Contacts
Diacarbon Energy Inc.
Alka Mandher
Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager
T: 604.291.0001
E: alka@diacarbon.com

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tractor-powered (PTO) spray equipment with water tank
root-injection sonde

We tried several different methods, but ended-up having to develop our own equipment and techniques. A couple of these methods show promise for commercial-scale work, I believe. Basically our approach involves a few components:

  • tractor-powered (PTO) spray equipment with water tank, pressure adjustments
  • root-injection sonde (available commercially, but we ended-up making our own)
  • slurry tank with a Venturi pump, mixing equipment
  • various hoses and connections
  • a lot of trial and error…

A lot of the success of this type of method is related to the choice of biochar and the formulation of the slurry. We’re continuing work this summer to try to improve these methods for larger scale commercial work, but are also evaluating, of course, whether the use of biochar applied in this manner will have any effect on the crop quantities or quality.

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Biochar Engineering, LaHave Forests Blog

The Biochar Machine built by Biochar Engineering for LaHave Forests is complete, and ready for testing. They are excited to put it into production on their property in Nova Scotia, Canada.

For the full excerpt see their blog:
http://www.novaforests.com/lahave-blog/biochar-machine-is-now-ready-for-...bridgemedia | Jordan Ανδρικά • Summer SALE έως -50%

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JF Biocarbon developed a portable pyrolysis unit for demonstration purposes, as well as larger pyrolyzers that convert beetle killed wood into biochar and bio-oils. See the attached presentation for details.

From the detail

  • JF BioCarbon will enhance and promote faster growth for newly planted seedlings thus making for stronger start to a new forest.
  • This will also speed up reforestation in beetle effected areas.
  • Charcoal in soil also acts as a carbon sink and can qualify for carbon credits.
  • This has been proven by soil scientists. (see Terra Preta & biochar)
  • Using charcoal in soil will also minimize the need for engineered fertilizer.

JF BioCarbon Systems LTD has licensed his technology to Dia Carbon BioEnergy ( http://www.diacarbon.com/ )

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Introduction to Soil Science
T.S. Tollefson, University of Saskatchewan, CA SCSR Open Courseware 41/240

This course is designed for students in the Diploma in Agriculture program and first and second year students in the B.S.A. program. Graduate students in the Soil Science may also find the course useful background for their qualifying or comprehensive exams.

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Canadian conference on "Greenhouse Gases: Mitigation and Utilization" 8-12 July 2007
Duane Pendergast, February 16, 2007

I recently received a conference notice of potential interest to Terra Preta researchers and developers.

The conference scope provides for papers on the carbon balance, CO2 sequestration in soil and biomass, mitigation of N2O and methane, enhanced agriculture and forestry, regulatory frameworks for carbon capture and
storage and science for policy development and public understanding.

CHEMRAWN-XVII and ICCDU-IX Conference on GREENHOUSE GASES Mitigation and Utilization
8-12 July 2007 Kingston, Ontario, Canada

www.chem.queensu.ca/greenhouse/

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