[Terrapreta] volatile matter and char

[Gerald Van Koeverden]

 From the McClellan, Deenik, Uehart, Antal study  (Effects of Flashed  
Carbonized© Macadamia Nutshell Charcoal on Plant Growth and Soil  
Chemical Properties)

Its conclusions:  "High volatile matter content charcoal has a  
detrimental effect on plant growth.   BUT!  Low volatile matter  
charcoal may have a beneficial effect on plant growth, especially
when combined with fertilizer."


What is the source/cause of high volatile matter in char?  Does this  
VM (since it is 'volatile') decrease/volatize by itself over a short  
time?

According to the article "VM" content is "a measure of the  
susceptibility of charcoal to further decompose and form carbon when  
heated."

Translation, please??

G.

The article is at the following link:

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/DeenikJ/Downloads/ 
Tai_Charcoal_CTAHR_Sym_2007.pdf
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