J. A. Baldock

Characteristics of biochar: organo-chemical properties

Preface Foreword by Tim Flannery 1. Biochar for Environmental Management: An Introduction 2. Physical Properties of Biochar 3. Characteristics of Biochar: Microchemical Properties 4. Characteristics of Biochar: Organo-chemical Properties 5. Biochar: Nutrient Properties and Their Enhancement 6. Characteristics of Biochar: Biological Properties 7. Developing a Biochar Classification and Test Methods 8. Biochar Production Technology 9. Biochar Systems 10. Changes of Biochar in Soil 11. Stability of Biochar in Soil 12. Biochar Application to Soil 13. Biochar and Emissions of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases from Soil 14. Biochar Effects on Soil Nutrient Transformations 15. Biochar Effects on Nutrient Leaching 16. Biochar and Sorption of Organic Compounds 17. Test Procedures for Determining the Quantity of Biochar within Soils 18. Biochar, Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Emissions Trading 19. Economics of Biochar Production, Utilization and Greenhouse Gas Offsets 20. Socio-economic Assessment and Implementation of Small-scale Biochar Projects 21. Taking Biochar to Market: Some Essential Concepts for Commercial Success 22. Policy to Address the Threat of Dangerous Climate Change: A Leading Role for Biochar Index

Alkalinity Generation by Agricultural Residues Under Field Conditions

The mechanisms of soil pH change by agricultural residues were investigated under field conditions. Residues of three important crop species, canola, chickpea and wheat, differing in alkalinity content and C to N ratio were incorporated into columns containing either Podosol (initial pH 4.5) or Tenosol (initial pH 6.2) soil. Net alkalinity production over the 27-month study depended on soil and residue type. Maximal alkalinity generated at 3 months by canola and chickpea residues was related to the alkalinity content (excess cation concentration) in the residues. Low initial pH reduced the rate and magnitude of alkalinity production. Amendment with wheat residue had little effect on alkalinity change. Net nitrification and nitrate leaching from 3 to 27 months reversed alkalinity generated during the initial period. However, a net increase in alkalinity was still observed in residue-amended soils 27 months after the initial application.