Abstract

Biochar is a material that has various uses, including as a soil amendment. Biochar is biomass which, by thermal decomposition, has been broken down through a process called pyrolysis. This procedure increases surface area, cation exchange capacity, and porosity of the biochar, among other benefits. These characteristics of biochar are beneficial to plants as the increased cation exchange capacity and surface area allows for storage sites of nutrients, which can be taken up by plant roots. Increased pore space created from the addition of biochar gives greater nutrient availability and enhanced water retention, allowing for greater plant growth.

How to Cite:

Mauch, T. & Nair, A., (2021) “Impacts of Biochar and Compost on Vegetable Production”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 4.