PhD-thesis: Biochar in forest establishment: synergies between nutrient delivery, growth and carbon storage
Hamish Alexander Creber, University of Edinburgh, http://dx.doi.org/10.7488/era/3612
This thesis explores the potential utilisation of targeted biochar application to improve seedling growth on nutrient poor soils during the establishment phase of forest cycles. A selection of distinct biochar types, ranging from high to low available phosphorus concentration, were tested in a controlled environment growth experiment on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco) along with conventional phosphorus fertilisation intervention. A specified biochar was also developed to address the primary soil limitations on seedling establishment in phosphorus limited soils.