Kosfeld Fenna Thesis - Flipbook - Page 110
Soil with Biochar
This test was supposed to show how biochar improves the soil conditions, captures water for a longer time than usual soil, and improves
microbial life. Biochar: Soil ratio was about 1:10, the recommended
amount for a potting mix. The added biochar was inoculated/ charged
in urine ( my own urine resting for up to one month) for 3 days before
to the planting date. For both margarite plants ( bought from a bazaar,
the quality of the plant is assumed to be low due to mass production
and synthetically fertilised plants. When planted, I added microorganism fertiliser ( which is a liquid with micronutrients, molasses, sugars,
etc., similar to the microbrew described on page ...). After one week,
both plants started to die simultaneously, and the 昀氀owers turned dark
brown within four days. The pH of both plants was 7, which is a basic
number for fresh soil. Marguerite Daisy 昀氀owers like a slightly acidic soil,
which is a little less than 7. Over the period of one week, the 昀氀owers of
both plants, yet the pH adjusted to 6.4 ( with biochar ) and 6.8 ( without biochar). I am assuming that the choice of plants, as well as freshly
bought
highly nutritious soil already might have led to an overboost of nitrogen, considering I added microorganisms to both plants.
Regarding the pH change in both plants, I am assuming that the biochar
had little effect on balancing the fresh soil base with the acidity level
preferred by the Margaruites. When unpotting both plants to see
110
Soil without Biochar
the the growth or degrowth of rhizomes and the root system, I noticed
that the soil with biochar is much looser and airy. The (biochar) plant
was better connected through the slight new growth of roots into all
directions. On the other hand, the soil in the non-biochar pot was less
loose, felt less moist, had fewer rhizomes, and was less thick/strong
growing. This proves that the biochar in such a short time helped the
plant uptake nutrients and make the roots stronger than without biochar. Due to my lack of expertise and scienti昀椀c testing material, I could
only ( besides measuring pH) observe how both plants behaved differently. Externally, both behaved similarly: time of colour change, change
of colour to brown, and exposure to a small amount of sunlight. Yet, the
soil revealed differences. I think, this test is not scienti昀椀cally valuable,
as I have barely any measurements. The choice of plant, soil, added fertiliser (over boost) and light conditions were all not ideal for conducting
real testing. Biochar is known as a soil amendment that takes time to
sink into the soil and mix with all other substances.
( Geng )
