Biochar for Sand-Based Rootzone Modification

Biochar for Sand-Based Rootzone Modification Shane R. Brockhoff and Nick E. Christians Sand-based turfgrass rootzones are limited in nutrient retention and water holding capacity. Peat moss is often used to offset these deficiencies, but peat moss is... More

Biochar for Sand-Based Rootzone Modification Shane R. Brockhoff and Nick E. Christians Sand-based turfgrass rootzones are limited in nutrient retention and water holding capacity. Peat moss is often used to offset these deficiencies, but peat moss is prone to decomposition. The decomposition of peat moss adversely affects the physical characteristics of the rootzone and health of the turfgrass. Biochar, a co-product of the fast pyrolysis process used to produce bio-oil, may be able to provide the same benefits as peat moss while being less prone to decomposition. In addition, because biochar is relatively stable over time, sand-based turfgrass ecosystems established with biochar may become a viable long term carbon sequestration vehicle. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar on turfgrass growth in sand-based rootzones and to quantify the physical effects biochar has on these rootzones. Rooting depth of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L. ) was dete Less