Biochar
Each year, wildfires leave their mark on the Six Rivers National Forest. The legacy of 100 years of fire suppression, combined with the effects of a warming climate, means that land management is more important than ever. Among the tools available, one stands out for its potential: biochar.
In partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt’s engineering department and the Rocky Mountain Research Station, Six Rivers National Forest is setting up test plots across the forest for a long-term study. This study is part of a larger U.S. Forest Service project that is taking place in 13 locations across the U.S.
At first glance biochar looks like black coal but is very different. Biochar is created by the partial combustion of organic material, like wood, in low-oxygen conditions. This process, called pyrolysis, results in a substance with several beneficial properties for soil and forest health. Biochar can increase water retention in soil, help heal damaged areas by improving physical, chemical, and microbial conditions of soil, and store carbon, keeping it out of the atmosphere.
The Six Rivers National Forest is part of a larger study to see how adding biochar to soil can make a difference. While our forest isn’t usually short on water, we do face challenges with disturbances and carbon emissions. That’s where biochar might help.
In addition to Derek Peirson, lead researcher for the study from the Rocky Mountain Research Station, Cal Poly Humboldt is also assisting with the analysis. Dr. Christa Meingast and her students will help collect data on changes in soil and plants after adding biochar. They’ll look at soil moisture, organic matter, and how biochar might absorb heavy metals. Additionally, they’ll observe how plant life responds to the biochar, which could give us insights into its effects underground. In the future, they are hoping to conduct more studies on biochar with the Six Rivers.
Biochar has been used for over 2,500 years to improve poor soils. Today, it holds promise for reducing wildfire risks, improving soil health, and supporting restoration efforts in our forests. This study is just the beginning of exploring how biochar can benefit the Six Rivers National Forest.