Objective and Learning Outcome

After learning this course students will be able to:

1) Biochar and biochar production technology,

2) Impact of biochar on climate change,

3) Economics of biochar production and utilization,

4) Biochar effects on soil nutrient transformations and soil fertility

Course Outline

1. Background and introduction of biochar

2. Physical, chemical and biological properties of biochar

3. Impact of biochar on soil properties

4. Change and stability of biochar in soil

5. Biochar and soil nutrient transformations

6. Biochar and climate change

7. Biochar and emission of greenhouse gases

8. Biochar production technology

9. Economics of biochar production and utilization

10. Socio-economic assessment of biochar projects

11. Some essential concepts for commercial success of biochar

Books Recommended

1. Bates, A. 2010. The Biochar Solution: Carbon Farming and Climate Change. New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, Canada.

2. Lehmann, J. and S. Joseph. 2009. Biochar for Environmental Management: Science and Technology. Earthscan, London, UK.

3. Sohi, S., E. Lopez-Capel, E. Krull and R. Bol. 2009. Biochar, Climate Change and Soil: A review to guide future research. CSIRO Land and Water Science Report 05/09. Centre for Bioenergy and Climate Change, Harpenden, UK.

4. Verheijen, F.G.A., S. Jeffery, A.C. Bastos, M. van der Velde and I. Diafas. 2010. Biochar application to soils: A Critical Scientific Review of Effects on Soil Properties, Processes and Functions. Official Publications, European Communities, Luxembourg.

Assessment Criteria

Sessional: 12 (project, presentation, participation)

Project: 06

Presentation: 03

Participation: 03

Mid exam: 18

Final exam: 30