The Carbon Char Group Research Plans

Project Description: CCG has developed a set of carbon-based biological practices which reduce input costs, increases wildlife habitat and improves sustainability of agricultural operations. While numerous organizations around the world have been researching the effects of biochar on soils (Lehmann, Johannes, John Gaunt, Marco Rondon, 2006), very few have focused on the combined effects of biochar with inoculation of beneficial organisms (Nilsson, J, 2008, Hawkins et. al 2007).  CCG will be closing this information gap by providing real-world demonstrations of crop production systems that utilize biochar. It is expected that biocarbon practices will soon be able to be adopted across a wide range of crop systems. Evidence of acceptance of carbon-based practices has been shown by their recent inclusion in the 2008 Farm Bill (H.R.2419 - Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) and their recommendation by NASA and USDA scientists James Hansen (Hansen, et. al. 2008), and David Laird (Laird, 2008).

Progress to date:  Using combined experience in soil science, microbiology and engineering, Carbon Char Group, LLC (CCG) has achieved success in the development of carbon based soil amendments that reduce the amount of nitrogen required to grow various crops. Beginning with on farm trials (2002-2005), and continuing with research conducted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute (2005-2008), a set of best management practices has evolved which reduce input costs for commercial crop production (Morse, R and P. Stevens, 2006, 2007). The first commercial crop grown with this technology is a black-oil sunflower seed from a CCG partnership with the NJ Audubon Society (with funds from USDA Conservation Innovation program). It is part of a carbon-based program for wild bird seed. You can find out about the program here. A second CCG project has also begun which allows farmers to transition from hay production to warm season grasses grown with biochar. With each new season, wildlife habitat is created, and then in winter the top growth can be cut and pelletized for use in wood stoves and pyrolysis systems. Due to the fact that these grasses have lower inputs costs then conventional hay, this program should provide farmers with economic incentives to increase their profitability as they sequester carbon (from the growth of the grasses) and store it in the soil (as biochar).

Literature Cited

Hansen, James, Makiko Sato, Pushker Kharecha, David Beerling, Valerie Masson-Delmotte, Mark Pagani, Maureen Raymo, Dana L. Royer, James C. Zachos, 2008. "Target Atmospheric CO2: Where Should Humanity Aim?", In press. [Supporting materials ].

Hawkins, R, Nilsson, J , Ogelsby, R. and Day, D. et a Utilization of Biomass Pyrolysis for Energy production, Soil fertility and Carbon Sequestration. Summary of information presented May 7, 2007 at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development Partnerships Fair - Partnership in New Technologies for Small Island Developing States (unpublished).

Lehmann, Johannes, John Gaunt, Marco Rondon, 2006. Bio-Char Sequestration in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Mititagtion and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 11: 403-427.

Laird, D.A. ,2008. The Charcoal Vision: A Win–Win–Win Scenario for Simultaneously Producing Bioenergy, Permanently Sequestering Carbon, while Improving Soil and Water Quality. Agronomy Journal: 100(1): 178-181.

Morse, R and P. Stevens, 2006, 2007. Effects of Carbon-Based Soil Amendment (CSA) on Crop Yield of
Irish Potato, Sweet Corn, Tomato and Bell Pepper (unpublished).

Nichols, K. 2002. Glomalin: Hiding Place for a Third of the World's Stored Soil Carbon. Agricultural Research: 50(9): 4-7

Nichols, K.A. 2008. Indirect Contributions of AM Fungi and Soil Aggregation to Plant Growth and Protection. IN: Siddiqui, Z.A., Akhtar, M.S., Futai, K. (eds.) Mycorrhizae: Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry. Spinger Science. pp. 177-194.

Nichols, K.A. 2008. Microbial engineering to enhance your bottom line. Meeting Proceedings for the 12th Annual No-Till on the Plains Winter Workshop, Salina, KS, Jan. 29-30. pp. 138-139.

Nilsson, Jon, 2008. Agricultural Applications for Biomass Pyrolysis.  Powerpoint presentation at the 2008 UN Commission on Sustainable Development Partnerships Fair - Partnership in New Technologies for Small Island Developing States