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- Title
Biochar from commercially cultivated seaweed for soil amelioration.
- Authors
Roberts, David A.; Paul, Nicholas A.; de Nys, Rocky; Dworjanyn, Symon A.; Bird, Michael I.
- Abstract
Seaweed cultivation is a high growth industry that is primarily targeted at human food and hydrocolloid markets. However, seaweed biomass also offers a feedstock for the production of nutrient-rich biochar for soil amelioration. We provide the first data of biochar yield and characteristics from intensively cultivated seaweeds (Saccharina, Undaria and Sargassum - brown seaweeds, and Gracilaria, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma - red seaweeds). While there is some variability in biochar properties as a function of the origin of seaweed, there are several defining and consistent characteristics of seaweed biochar, in particular a relatively low C content and surface area but high yield, essential trace elements (N, P and K) and exchangeable cations (particularly K). The pH of seaweed biochar ranges from neutral (7) to alkaline (11), allowing for broad-spectrum applications in diverse soil types. We find that seaweed biochar is a unique material for soil amelioration that is consistently different to biochar derived from ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Blending of seaweed and ligno-cellulosic biochar could provide a soil ameliorant that combines a high fixed C content with a mineral-rich substrate to enhance crop productivity.
- Subjects
AGRICULTURAL biotechnology; MARINE algae culture; SOIL amendments; BIOCHAR; FARM produce; HYDROCOLLOIDS; SOIL productivity
- Publication
Scientific Reports, 2015, p9665
- ISSN
2045-2322
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1038/srep09665