A rapid-test for screening biochar effects on seed germination

ABSTRACT

We developed a rapid-test to screen for effects of biochar on seed germination and soils. Crop seeds were placed in containers and covered with 15 g of soil with 1% biochar by weight. Two agricultural soils from South Carolina USA were used. Eighteen biochars were produced from six primary feedstocks [pine chips (PC), poultry litter (PL), swine solids (SS), switchgrass (SG); and two blends of PC and PL, 50% PC/50% PL (55), and 80% PC/20% PL (82)]. Each feedstock was pyrolyzed at 350, 500 and 700°C. There were few biochar effects on seed germination. Shoot dry weight was increased for carrot, cucumber, lettuce, oat, and tomato; primarily with biochars containing PL. Soil pH, electrical conductivity and extractable phosphorus primarily increased with PL, SS, 55, and 82 treatments for both soil types and across species. This method can be an early indicator of biochar effects on seed germination and soil health.

KEYWORDS:

• Crop
• feedstock
• soil
• temperature

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mr. Dale Brown of the Oregon State University Seed Laboratory for his assistance in guiding us in the development of the seed germination procedure. Would also thank Dr. E. Henry Lee of the US EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division; and Dr. Maliha Nash of the US EPA, National Exposure Research Laboratory, System Exposure Division for their assistance in developing the experimental design for this study and statistical analysis procedures, and Mr. Leon Reece, of the National Asian Pacific Center Senior Environmental Employment Program, for assistance in monitoring and maintaining growth chamber conditions and data collection. We also thank the EPA Greater Research Opportunity Intern Ms. Amber White for her valuable assistance with the plant experiments and soil pH analysis.

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