As the bioenergy industry develops, large quantities of biochar, a co-product of the pyrolysis process of producing bio-fuels and other renewal energy sources, may become available for agricultural use as a soil amendment. Application of biochar to soil has been shown to reduce compaction, increase water and nutrient holding capacity, enhance biological activity and reduce leaching of agrochemicals. Studies have also suggested that biochar may suppress certain fungal diseases of vegetable crops. Therefore, studies are needed to investigate the effect of biochar on microbiological, chemical and physical properties of soil and its possible effect on influencing disease levels and plant...
Unique Keywords:
#biochar, #phytophtora root rot, #soil fertility studies, #soybean diseases, #sudden death syndrome (sds)