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Biochar amendments to forest soils: Effects on soil properties and tree growth

Documents and Media Posted on: December 20, 2018
Bioenergy production from forest biomass offers a unique solution to reduce wildfire hazard fuel while producing a useful source of renewable energy. However, biomass removals raise concerns about reducing soil carbon (C) and altering forest site productivity.Document Type: Other Documents

Financial viability of biofuel and biochar production from forest biomass in the face of market price volatility and uncertainty

Publications Posted on: October 03, 2018
A comparative techno-economic analysis of two different thermochemical biomass conversion pathways was conducted to examine the effects of fuel price and other variables on project financial performance.

Life cycle assessment of activated carbon from woody biomass

Publications Posted on: September 10, 2018
Activated carbon (AC) developed and marketed for water and gas purification is traditionally made from hard coals (fossil-based materials). However, increasing awareness of environmental impacts caused by fossil fuel consumption and fossil-based products has provided a market opportunity for renewable and low-impact biobased products as alternatives including AC.

Using organic amendments to restore soil physical and chemical properties of a mine site in northeastern Oregon, USA

Publications Posted on: March 22, 2018
New cost-effective strategies are needed to reclaim soils disturbed from mining activity on National Forests. In addition, disposal of waste wood from local timber harvest operations or biosolids from waste water treatment plants can be expensive. Therefore, using organic byproducts for soil reclamation activities on National Forests may provide an opportunity to increase soil cover and productivity, and decrease restoration costs.

Idaho forest growth response to post-thinning energy biomass removal and complementary soil amendments

Publications Posted on: December 12, 2017
Utilization of woody biomass for biofuel can help meet the need for renewable energy production. However, there is a concern biomass removal will deplete soil nutrients, having short- and long-term effects on tree growth.

Nonmarket benefits of reducing environmental effects of potential wildfires in beetle-killed trees: A contingent valuation study

Publications Posted on: November 13, 2017
We estimated Colorado households’ nonmarket values for two forest management options for reducing intensity of future wildfires and associated nonmarket environmental effects wildfires. The first policy is the traditional harvesting of pine beetle-killed trees and burning of the slash piles of residual materials on-site.

Restoring abandoned mine soil with organic amendments

Science Spotlights Posted on: August 23, 2017
Restoring abandoned mine sites with no environmental hazard or chemical contamination can be expensive because of the inhospitable (hot, dry) environment.  However, the large number of abandoned mine sites located across the west make it imperative to begin restoration activities to help shade streams, reduce erosion, provide habitat, and generally improve soil properties. 

Making biochar with waste woody biomass

Science Spotlights Posted on: August 11, 2017
Forest and range soils in the western United States are in need of restoration for a variety of reasons (e.g., overgrazing, fire, health). Disposing of the woody slash after restoration cuttings has been problematic for many years, and open burning has often been the easiest method for reducing wildfire risk. However, this damages the soil, limits successful regeneration on the burn sites, and encourages invasive weeds. Creating biochar is one method to sequester carbon and improve soil water holding capacity. Using biochar also decreases the risk of wildfire and increases tree resistance to insect and disease outbreaks.

Opportunities and uses of biochar on forest sites in North America [Chapter 15]

Publications Posted on: June 08, 2017
Biochar may be useful for restoring or revitalizing degraded forest soils and help with carbon sequestration, nutrient leaching losses, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, biochar is not currently widely used on forested lands across North America.

Life cycle analysis of biochar [Chapter 3]

Publications Posted on: June 08, 2017
All products, including bioproducts, have an impact on the environment by consuming resources and releasing emissions during their production. Biochar, a bioproduct, has received considerable attention because of its potential to sequester carbon in soil while enhancing productivity, thus aiding sustainable supply chain development.

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