Research project: Biochar as a tool for climate adaptation in crop production on coarse sandy soil (BioAdapt)

Coarse sandy soil comprises approximately 24 % of the classified area in Denmark. The subsoil is characterized by a low water holding capacity and a strong mechanical resistance to root growth resulting in low yields, high nitrate leaching and a restricted crop choice. These problems are expected to even increase in a future more extreme climate. Previous investigations showed a great potential to improve these subsoils by amendment with biochar from thermal conversion of biomass. In the transition process of the agricultural sector towards a climate-neutral production, pyrolysis is often mentioned as an important element, and it can be expected that biocharfrom pyrolysis processes will become available in large amounts in the future. In this project, we will amend coarse sandy subsoils with biochar derived from straw or wood, using different application rates and particle size distributions.

The effects on the soil’s physical, biological and chemical characteristics will be determined in the mixtures and in large soil column experiments over two growth seasons. Potential application methods are demonstrated at field-scale. We will use the Daisy model to calculate overall effects on crop production and environment based on the experimental results and relevant weather data. Positive results will contribute to a higher and more resilient crop production on coarse sandy soils, a more efficient utilization of water and nutrients and to an increased soil carbon storage.