title: Biochar from commercially cultivated seaweed for soil amelioration.
abstract: Seaweed cultivation is a high growth industry that is primarily targeted at human food and hydrocolloid markets. However, seaweed biomass also offers a feedstock for the production of nutrient-rich biochar for soil amelioration. We provide the first data of biochar yield and characteristics from intensively cultivated seaweeds (Saccharina, Undaria and Sargassum--brown seaweeds, and Gracilaria, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma--red seaweeds). While there is some variability in biochar properties as a function of the origin of seaweed, there are several defining and consistent characteristics of seaweed biochar, in particular a relatively low C content and surface area but high yield, essential trace elements (N, P and K) and exchangeable cations (particularly K). The pH of seaweed biochar ranges from neutral (7) to alkaline (11), allowing for broad-spectrum applications in diverse soil types. We find that seaweed biochar is a unique material for soil amelioration that is consistently different to biochar derived from ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Blending of seaweed and ligno-cellulosic biochar could provide a soil ameliorant that combines a high fixed C content with a mineral-rich substrate to enhance crop productivity.
authors: MACRO - the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville Australia 4811.
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Roberts
authors: MACRO - the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville Australia 4811.
authors: Nicholas A
authors: NA
authors: Paul
authors: National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour Australia 2450.
authors: Symon A
authors: SA
authors: Dworjanyn
authors: Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, College of Science, Technology and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns Australia 4870.
authors: Michael I
authors: MI
authors: Bird
authors: MACRO - the Centre for Macroalgal Resources and Biotechnology, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville Australia 4811.
authors: Rocky
authors: R
authors: de Nys
mesh_terms: D002606:Charcoal; D012624:Seaweed; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D012987:Soil; C540010:biochar; D002606:Charcoal