A combination of waste materials supplemented with a product of biomass could help in the search for high quality soils, a new study suggests.
A combination of waste materials supplemented with a product of biomass could help in the search for high quality soils, a new study suggests.
Soil degradation is posing a huge threat to global food security and every year, around 12 million hectares of cropland are lost to soil erosion.
Scientists from the University of Plymouth have demonstrated that adding biochar – a solid, carbon-rich material derived from biomass – to soil constructed from waste materials, reduces the loss of essential nutrients such as nitrogen and carbon.
This, they believe, can improve the sustainability of manufactured soils by enhancing conditions suitable to sustain plant growth, by improving moisture content, nutrient retention and carbon storage capacity.
Read more at: University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is leading the quest to fabricate soils which could ultimately lead to the creation of custom-made, sustainable products. (Photo Credit: University of Plymouth)
