[Terrapreta] Volatile Matter, Char Quality, Soils and Plant Response

[Tom Miles]

I'm still trying to relate char quality, as measured by volatile matter,
with char characteristics for use as a soil amendment and with plant
response. 

 

What data do we have that correlates char characteristics or plant response
with volatile matter? 

 

We hear that the char should be prepared by "slow pyrolysis" at a "low
temperature". Harris et. al measured pH, CEC and other factors relative to
temperature, but for how long?  The end point of the pyrolysis should be
represented by the % volatile matter and ash. Harris does not give us a
proximate analysis for the EPRIDA char they used.

 

What should a target volatile matter be? 10%, 15%, 20%? 25? At what ash
content?

 

Tom Miles

 

Links:

Characterization of Pyrolysis Char for Use as an Agricultural Soil Amendment

http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/?q=harrispyrochar

 

 

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