Characterization and modification of biochar from a combined heat and power (CHP) plant for amending sandy soils collected from wild blueberry fields

Summary

This study evaluated the use of industrial biochar from a forest biomass-fueled combined heat and power plant as an amendment for sandy soils in wild blueberry cultivation, addressing drought stress exacerbated by climate warming. Acid treatment successfully reduced biochar pH from 11.4 to a neutral range of 5.0–6.5. A 50:50 mixing ratio of soil to biochar increased water holding capacity by approximately 20%, demonstrating potential for improving water retention in drought-prone sandy soils.

Regional applicability

Wild blueberry cultivation occurs primarily in North America (particularly Atlantic Canada and northeastern United States); this study's findings would be directly applicable where lowbush blueberries are grown in similar sandy, drought-prone conditions. Transferability to United Kingdom contexts is limited, as wild blueberry production is minimal here, though the biochar amendment approach may have broader relevance for UK horticulture on sandy soils.

Key measures

Biochar bulk density, moisture content, porosity, pH, surface area; soil water holding capacity (WHC) at 100S:0B, 50S:50B, 30S:70B, and 10S:90B mixing ratios; pH reduction following acid treatment with 1–3% acidic or citric acid solutions

Outcomes reported

The study characterised biochar from a combined heat and power plant and tested its effectiveness at amending sandy soils used for wild blueberry production. Water holding capacity and soil physicochemical properties were measured across different biochar-soil mixing ratios, with acid treatment applied to modify biochar pH.

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