Transcript How to make biochar

Biochar Properties
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
PARADIGM SHIFT
Cation adsorption (positive ions)
Huge capacity: micropore surfaces
Increase CEC sharply (+20-50)
Increase stored growth potential
Easily available forms
Adsorbed on micropore surfaces
Retain nutrients in root zone
Simple ion exchange with roots
Reduce leaching (40-80%)
Enhance microbial activity
Efficient nutrient use by plants
Reduce fertillizer applications
Enhance growth of crops
Higher crop nutrient content
Sorption to detoxify & remediate
Heavy metals
Organic molecules
Soil Class CEC
Soil as battery
Store charge as ions
(micropore adsorption)
Sandy
3-5
Store charge as electrons
(carbon10-15
rings)
Silt Loam
Release charge for
growthClay 20-25
Heavy
Regulate level & polarity
Source of charge?
Corn
Yield CEC
Where are the
electrons?
80battery
bu
5
Cations add charge to
Anions carry charge around
100 buin cell & plant
7
Acid = + charge = electron
deficit
120 bu
9
140capacity
bu
11
Electron adsorption
160 bu
13
Charge carriers: electrons = negative −
e
180
bu
16
Cellulose & micropores: charge conductor
Carbon ring & electron cloud: capacitor
Ions, membranesC & biofilms:
circuit board
C
Soil conducivity
−e
C
C
Capacity to contain electrons
Ability to pass electric
current
C
C
Cation Exchange Capacity
Anion Exchange Capacity
Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium
most Trace Elements
Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chlorine
Nitrogen, Boron, Iodine