Biochar Integration Sustaining Carbon-Nutrient Cycling and Soil Restoration
摘要
Farmers worldwide seek ways to nourish the soil and crops in an environmentally friendly manner. This chapter looks at the outstanding soil enhancer, biochar, as a practical solution in four important areas. It works like a time-release vitamin for the soil by first being a natural fertilizer: a slow release of a feast that feeds crops and prevents the repetition of frequent applications. It can be described as the natural delivery system whereby nutrients are delivered to the plant at the most opportune time. The second one acts as a soil rejuvenator that revives life in tired fields by better soil structure and providing healthy homes for friendly microbes. Benefits are also observable through the harvest stage, such as a healthier crop look and higher yield, which stands out as an appreciated benefit in working with biochar, even in adverse weather situations. Biochar also assists in helping farmers receive more value added from their investments in fertilizers, by conserving nitrogen and phosphorus inputs in ways which save money and are easier on the environment. Using illustrative examples and research results, this chapter demonstrates how biochar can help develop productive farming systems today and pay forward for future generations.