MAX FACTS
hydroponic news, tips and trivia
Scientists Reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions with Biochar
Scientists Named to ARS Science
Hall of Fame
Three USDA scientists—zoologist Ronald Fayer, soil scientist Ronald F.
Follett and agricultural engineer Allen R. Dedrick—have been named to the
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Science Hall of Fame for their work on
irrigation management, identifying key parasites infecting the water and food
supply, and sustainable agricultural production during global climate change.
The ARS Science Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to recognize agency
researchers for lifelong achievements in agricultural sciences and technology.
(Source: ars.usda.gov)
28
Maximum Yield USA | February 2012
Soil scientists working at the ARS Soil and Water Management Research
Unit in St. Paul, Minnesota have discovered that adding a charred biomass
material called biochar to glacial soils can help reduce emissions of the
greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
ARS scientists Kurt Spokas and John Baker found that amending glacial
soils with biochar made from macadamia nut shells reduced a range of
greenhouse gas emissions.
Studies by the
USDA’s Agricultural
Research Service (ARS)
are beginning to yield
valuable information
about how biochar—a
charred biomass
created from wood,
plant material and
manure—is able to
interact beneficially
with soil and crops.
(Source: ars.usda.gov)