Our research was focused on biochar application for revegetation purposes under northern Saskatchewan conditions. The Gunnar Mine Site, located on the northern shore of the Athabasca Lake, was used as a case study to test the effectiveness of biochar as a soil amendment. Greenhouse and field trials were run to study the effect of biochar and peat application on the growth and establishment of native plant species.
The greenhouse trials showed that both peat and biochar had a positive effect on plant growth, but different plant species had individual responses to each organic amendment. The field trials showed that peat promotes vegetation cover establishment better than biochar. Nevertheless, biochar also showed a positive effect on vegetation recovery through both establishment of seeded plants and self-establishment of natural invaders (plant species not seeded during the experiment). It was also determined that different plant species have a preference for organic amendment. In general, both peat and biochar can be used to promote plant plant establishment and growth, but biochar's effect on plant growth can vary widely depending on its properties.
Biochar Application for Revegetation Purposes in Northern Saskatchewan
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