[Terrapreta] Coal as a soil additive

[Kevin Chisholm]

Dear AK

Allan K Mitchell wrote:
>
> I’m a newby on this list and I an certainly interested in the use of 
> charcoal to improve soil fertility.
>
> My question is - can coal be used in the same way as charcoal – it has 
> not been heated but must therefore contain more of the original plant 
> materials. Assuming the physical structure of charcoal is not a 
> critical requirement then coal must have many of the same chemical 
> characteristics. If can be supplied in a particle size to suit could 
> it be used in the same way you use charcoal. ??
>

Given that charcoal is assumed to enhance plant growth because of 
increases Cation Exchange Capacity, in connection with its very large 
internal surface area, and because the micropores of the char seem to 
act as "bug motels", the coal probably would not work. However, "coke 
fines" might be worth pursuing, in that they are the coal equivalent of 
charcoal from wood. Note however, that coke does not have nearly as much 
surface area per gram as does wood char, and I don't know if it has a 
Cation Exchange benefit.

The best thing to do is to try something! In a garden, put some coal, 
coke fines, and charcoal in the soil, and see what happens.

Best wishes,

kevin
>
> Akrl
>
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