Source: WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
EVALUATION OF SELECTED SOIL AMENDMENTS, VEGETATION TYPE, AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO MITIGATE RUNOFF AND IMPROVE APPALACHIAN SOILS PRODUCTIVITY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
MCINTIRE-STENNIS
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0231078
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2012
Project End Date
Sep 29, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
PO BOX 1000
INSTITUTE,WV 25112
Performing Department
Agricultural & Environmental Res Station (AERS)
Non Technical Summary
Appalachian soils are of low fertility and agronomic value. The growing urban and rural development and regional natural resources exploration operations (gas, coal, etc.) put further stress on soil resources and water quality. Such activities and soil characteristics, coupled with the region mountainous topography exacerbate soil erosion, and storm-water and runoff management problems. Improving site and soil fertility, improving vegetation establishment and growth, and developing runoff management practices will help achieve land use goals while minimizing adverse environmental impact. The goal of the proposed research is to develop management practices to improve soil productivity and minimize runoff and soil erosion in Appalachian soils and landscape. The research specific objectives are to: a. evaluate the use of biochar (a co-product of biomass-to-energy conversion by pyrolysis process) as soil amendments to improve Appalachian soils fertility; b. evaluate the use of biochar for its ability to remove compounds of environmental concern from runoff water; c. evaluate the use of different vegetation cover in bio-infiltration runoff management practices to reduce runoff volume and composition, and d. use findings of objective a, b and c to construct and evaluate performances of an integrated soil-plant bio-infiltration system. Inasmuch as the research is initially focus on biochar, other municipal, industrial, or agricultural byproducts will be evaluated during the term of the project. Results from this research will be used to develop environmentally sound practices for efficient use of resources and improvement of current agronomic and runoff management practices in urban, agriculture and mining land use in Appalachia.
Animal Health Component
60%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
60%
Developmental
20%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1020110200040%
1330210200010%
1120210200010%
4020210200010%
4030210200020%
4050210200010%
Knowledge Area
403 - Waste Disposal, Recycling, and Reuse; 133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships; 112 - Watershed Protection and Management; 405 - Drainage and Irrigation Systems and Facilities; 402 - Engineering Systems and Equipment;

Subject Of Investigation
0110 - Soil; 0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
2000 - Chemistry;
Goals / Objectives
Research goal: Develop management practices to improve soil productivity and minimize runoff and soil erosion in Appalachian soils and landscape. Objectives: A) Evaluate the use of selected byproducts to improve Appalachian soils fertility: I. Byproduct composition and nutrient availability, II. Byproduct physicochemical properties, III. Byproduct effect on soil properties, and IV. Byproduct effect on soil fertility and plant growth. B) Evaluate the use of selected material to remove compounds of environmental concern from runoff waters. Biochar from slow and fast pyrolysis of different feedstock will be tested for I. release of byproduct-borne elements under different extraction conditions, and II. sorption of selected heavy metals and nutrients. C) Evaluate the use of selected vegetation types in bio-infiltration systems to reduce runoff volume and remove excess nutrients and other contaminants. D) Evaluate soil and plant performances in an integrated bio-infiltration runoff management system. Selected byproduct: initial focus is on use of biochar from selected feedstock and pyropysis processes as soil amendment. As new byproducts of interest are likely to emerge during the term of the study and / or focus on existing ones may arises, such byproducts will be added and evaluated. Biochar to support the study will be provided by Piedmont Bioproducts LLC, Gretna, VA; and by USDA, SRRC, Commodity Utilization Research Unit, New Orleans, LA. Selected vegetation include: ryegrass, tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix), Kenlow Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), bamboo (Phyllostachys rubromarginata), willow (Salix purpurea L.), hybrid black poplar (Populus x canadensis). Expected outputs: conduct bench-top, greenhouse, and field experiments; Present research findings in scientific meetings; publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals; develop technology for biochar agglomeration; established a demonstration site for runof management.
Project Methods
Objective A) I. triplicated wet chemistry assays will be employed to characterize total element content (e.g. EPA methods 3050a, 3052), plant-available nutrients (e.g. Mehlich-3, AB-DTPA) and element association with selected phases. Tukey's test be used to evaluate feedstock and pyrolysis condition effect. II. Triplicated complete randomized incubation study employed to evaluate effect of biochar feedstock type and production conditions on soil properties (e.g. pH, nutrient solubility and availability), aggregate stability and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Treatment effect will be evaluated using SAS Proc GLM. III. Randomized complete block design greenhouse pot experiment will be conducted to evaluate byproduct amended soil on plant growth and soil fertility. Two byproducts (selected from 'A II'), each at 2 rates will be tested as soil amendment to grow perennial ryegrass in both native topsoil and reclaimed mine soil. Ryegrass will be grown for 12 weeks and aboveground biomass harvested every 4 weeks. Each treatment replicated five times and treatment effect on germination biomass yield and nutrient composition, and soil properties (i.e. pH, EC, nutrient availability) will be tested using SAS Proc GLM. Objective B) All assays will be replicated 3 times and Tukey's test used to evaluate differences among biochars of different feedstock and processes: I. Leachability of biochar-borne elements will be tested by exposing the material to different solutions in batch reaction mode, including water extraction, SPLP (EPA Method 1312) and TCLP tests (EPA Method 1311). II. Single element (Cd, Cu, P, Pb, Zn) sorption will be tested in batch sorption experiments at concentration range of 0 - 5.0 mM in a 10 mM NaNO3 background solution. Objective C) A 7-gallon buckets layered with 5 cm of pea gravel covered by geotechnical fabric and 30 cm deep bio-infiltration soil mix and a bottom-fitted outlet for leachate collection will be used as detached lysimeters. Treatments, each replicated five times and flooded weekly with artificial runoff solution will include tall fescue, Kenlow Switchgrass, bamboo (Phyllostachys rubromarginata), willow (Salix purpurea L.), hybrid black poplar (Populus x canadensis) and a control (no vegetation). Treatment effect on leachate volume and composition and on plant above ground biomass and element content (harvest by the end of the growing season) will be tested using SAS GLM. A dunnett's test will be used to compare between treatment and control. Objective D) Field study. Biochar type and application rates will be based on results from obj. A and B., and results from obj. C will be used in selecting vegetation type. Location will be based on availability and runoff composition. Replicated 3 times, treatments will include 4 vegetation cover: commonly used vegetation, grass, and tree species (from obj. C), and mix of the selected tree and grass. Experimental unit will composed of a 120 x 80 x 80 cm plastic container with vertical layering similar to that used in objective C. Inflow and outflow volumes and first-flush composition be monitored and treatment effect on these parameters be tested using SAS proc GLM.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/29/17

Outputs
Target Audience:Local privet farmers and land owners, state (PA DNR) and government agencies (WV, PA NRCS; OSMRE), pyrolysis / biomass processing operations; landscaper and local municipalities (Beckley, WV), and aggregate / quarry industry. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided training opportunities forsome dozen undergraduate students in learning, developing, and practicing their lab skills, and operation of analytical equipment as well as field study and instrumentation. The project provided the students with opportunity to develop and practice their report writing skills, and practicing oral and written presentation of their findings in several conferences. It also provide the students learning and awareness opportunity to ecosystem services, their importance, their fragile state, and understanding of approaches and practices for natural resource management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results disseminated through data / findings reporting at professional and scientific meetings, publication of manuscripts and white papers, and presentation to participating agencies. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Effect of different feedstock and pyrolysis conditions on biochar production and use was explored and evaluated using field and greenhouse experiments and lab analysis. Assessment of biochar amended soils on soil CO2 release and effect of different conditions and material were evaluated. Recommendation for improvement of biochar production processing and handling andimproved agronomic use were successfully developed and communicated to scientific and professional communities. Use of spent HDD mud as soil amendment was evaluated and guidelines for beneficial agronomic use thereof was developed and communicated to farmers and landowners and conservation agencies in the region.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Lucas J., A. Hass, R. Cantrell, N. Persaud, J. Kraft, J. Vandevender, and D. Patel. 2016. Impact of Applying Spent Bentonite Drilling Mud on Soil Properties. ASA, CSSA, SSSA international meeting, Nov. 6-9th, 2016. Phoenix, AZ.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Cavender K., R. Cantrell, and A. Hass. 2017. Effects of Biochar on Soil Respiration and Carbon Sequestration. Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD), 18th Biennial Research Symposium, April 1 - 4, 2017, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Hass A, R.S. Zalesny Jr., J. Vandevender, and D. Patel. 2017 Establishment of Hybrid Poplar on a Reclaimed Mine Site in Southern West Virginia. 2017 Joint Conference of the West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force, American Society for Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), and Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI). April 9  13, 2017. Morgantown WV.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Hass A., and I. Lima. 2017. Effect of feed source and pyrolysis conditions on sugarcane bagasse biochar. 47th annual joint meeting, American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. June 14  16, 2017, New Orleans, LA.


Progress 10/01/16 to 09/29/17

Outputs
Target Audience:oil and gas pipeline industry, farmers, small landowners and large landholding companies, landscape developers, pyrolysis and biochar operators and users, local state and federal agencies dealing with management of marginal and disturbed lands in both urban and rural settings. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This year the project provided training opportunities for four undergraduate students in learning, developing, and practicing their lab skills, and operation of analytical equipment as well as field study and instrumentation. The project provided the students with opportunity to develop and practice their report writing skills, and practicing oral and written presentation of their findings in several conferences. It also provide the students learning and awareness opportunity to ecosystem services, their importance, their fragile state, and understanding of approaches and practices for natural resource management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results and developed guidelines for the use of spent HDD mud as soil amendment were presented to the PA NRCS management team on October 2017. A webinaron the use of spent HDD mud as soil amendment is schedulefor the PA NRCS conservation district agent in early January 2018. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?finish up and submitting three manuscripts for publication of the above findings

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? CO2 release from N supplemented yellow pine biochar amended soil: Carbon dioxide release from yellow pine biochar was tested at different N levels. Initial study evaluating CO2 release from biochar amended soil suggested a strong dependency of CO2 production to biochar total N content. Subsequent incubation study was conducted to evaluate CO2 release from yellow-pine biochar amended soil under different levels of mineral N addition. CO2 release was not affected by N addition, suggesting that yellow-pine biochar can act as carbon sink and sequestration in soils of different fertility levels. Production of low-cost bulk metal sorption for stormwater management: Biochars from different sugar milling feedstock and pyrolysis conditions were tested and evaluated for metal (Cu, Cd, Pb) removal from water. Preferred feedstock and pyrolysis conditions for production of low-cost bulk source for metal sorbent to be used in engineered soils in stormwater management practices were evaluated. Metal sorption and biochar properties were determined and evaluated, suggesting that partially decomposed biomass result in ash content and composition capable of improving biochar sorption capacity. Manuscript submitted for publication. Development of guidelines for use of spent water-based horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bentonite mud as soil amendment: A three-year field, lab, and greenhouse studies completed for development of guidelines for use of spent HDD mud as soil amendment. More than 40 drilling mud sampled and characterized for chemical and physical properties. Ten sites and 17 soils from throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia were amended with spent mud at different application rates. Incubation study and field trials concluded and data of two growing seasons and effect of mud application on yield, and soil hydrological, chemical, and physical properties being analyzed. Final report submitted to PA NRCS and results presented to the PA NRCS management team. A webinar to PA NRCS Conservation District agents is scheduled to early January 2018.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Lucas J., A. Hass, R. Cantrell, N. Persaud, J. Kraft, J. Vandevender, and D. Patel. 2016. Impact of Applying Spent Bentonite Drilling Mud on Soil Properties. ASA, CSSA, SSSA international meeting, Nov. 6-9th, 2016. Phoenix, AZ.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Cavender K., R. Cantrell, and A. Hass. 2017. Effects of Biochar on Soil Respiration and Carbon Sequestration. Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD), 18th Biennial Research Symposium, April 1 - 4, 2017, Atlanta, GA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Hass A, R.S. Zalesny Jr., J. Vandevender, and D. Patel. 2017 Establishment of Hybrid Poplar on a Reclaimed Mine Site in Southern West Virginia. 2017 Joint Conference of the West Virginia Mine Drainage Task Force, American Society for Mining and Reclamation (ASMR), and Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI). April 9  13, 2017. Morgantown WV.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Hass A., and I. Lima. 2017. Effect of feed source and pyrolysis conditions on sugarcane bagasse biochar. 47th annual joint meeting, American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. June 14  16, 2017, New Orleans, LA.


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences of the mine reclamation project are professionals and landownersassociated with surface miningoperations, reclamation, and reforestation.Target audiences on the use of spent bentonite as soil amendment aspectinclude Midstream Oil and Gas industry horizontal directional drilling operator,farmers and landowners, and USDA NRCS and state conservation agencies in PA and WV.Use of biochar as soil amendment and its effect on soil carbon sequestrationtarget biomass producers, energy sector, farmers, and environmental specialists and interest groups associated with mitigation of CO2 emission. Changes/Problems:Extension was requested (and granted) to complete the study of evaluation of biochar on soil carbon emission and sequestration and biochar as sorbent for heavy metals. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This year the project provided training opportunities for three undergraduate students in learning, developing, and practicing their lab skills, and operation of analytical equipment. The project provided the students with opportunity to develop and practice their report writing skills, and practicing oral and written presentation of their findings in several conferences. It also provide the students learning and awareness opportunity to ecosystem services, their importance, their fragile state, and understanding of approaches and practices for natural resource management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were presented in conferences, published in journals, and communicated directly to federal state government as well as to local farmers and land owners through field days and personal communications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Plan for upcoming year is to conduct sorption essays evaluating biochars as sorbents for heavy metals; completion of chemical extraction essays of material from the evaluation of biochar effect on soil carbon sequestration project; and synthesis of field and incubation study of the use of bentonite mud as soil amendment.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Biochars from different feedstock and pyrolysis conditions were tested as per objective A) I. II. and III.: biochars were digested and subjected to single-selective extraction procedures. Under objective A "Evaluate the use of selected byproduct to improve Appalachian soils fertility": funding was secured to study the use of water-based horizontal directional drilling (HDD) spent bentonite mud as soil amendment. US EPA found the mud suitable for land application and the study is aimed at develop and provide NRCS and conservation districts in the tristate region (WV, OH, and PA) with guidelines for its us as soil amendment. More than 40 drilling mud sampled and characterized for chemical and physical properties. Ten sites and 17 soils from throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia were amended with spent mud at different application rates. Incubation study and field trials concluded and data of two growing seasons and effect of mud application on yield, and soil hydrological, chemical, and physical propertiesbeing analyzed. A three month of soil incubation study with soil amended with different biochars and at different application rates was concluded earlier this year. Carbon dioxide release from the different soils was monitored during the three-month incubation. Soils and biochars are subjected to wet chemical essays in effort to discern the role of biochar composition in soil carbon emission and sequestration. Extension of the project was requested (and approved) in order to conclude and finalize the biochar and bentonite mud projects.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zalesny Jr R.S., J.A. Stanturf, E.S. Gardiner, G.S. Ba�uelos, R.A. Hallett, A. Hass, C.M. Stange, J.H. Perdue, T.M. Young, D.R. Coyle, and W.L. Headlee. 2016. Environmental Technologies of Woody Crop Production Systems. Bioenerg. Res. 9(2):492506
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zalesny Jr R.S., J.A. Stanturf, E.S. Gardiner, J.H. Perdue, T.M. Young, D.R. Coyle, W.L. Headlee, G.S. Ba�uelos, and A. Hass. 2016. Ecosystem Services of Woody Crop Production Systems. Bioenerg. Res. 9(2):465491
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Zalesny, R.S. Jr, Hass, A., and Patel, D. 2016. Establishment of hybrid poplar for surface mine reclamation in the southern coalfield of West Virginia, USA. In: 25th Session of the International Poplar Commission, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Poplars and Other Fast-Growing Trees  Renewable Resources for Future Green Economies; September 13-16, 2016; Berlin, Germany. p 203.


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Farmers; waste management industry; pyrolysis and biochar industry' land-holding companies and privet landowner, USDA NRCS, oil and gas horizontal directional drilling industry, academia Changes/Problems:We are still under continuing effort to secure funding to support studying the improvement of biochar as sorbent for stormwater contaminant in soil-plant bioretention systems. As per objective A (and subsequent section) of the product and to address emerging issue in the region we were able to secure funding to study the use of horizontal direction drilling mud as soil amendment. the study is funded by the Pennsylvania State Conservationist and include 10 study sites throughout PA and WV. the spent mud composition and effect on soil physical and chemical properties as well as on crop production is evaluated. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The full-time technician of the program resigned in early 2015. A new technician was hired and was sent for training for operating analytical equipment - ICP-OES, and ion chromatography (Dionex). Freshman and junior students from WVSU Research Rookies program participate in the program's research. Also, two students from the WVSU Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program participated. In addition, one undergraduate student from WVSU Honors program recently started his honor thesis in the program on the HDD mud, and another is working on carbon sequestration in biochar amended soils. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?For the second year, the program host reforestation activity. As in previous year more than 45 students, staff and members of the local community participated in the reforestation effort, as part of reforestation of a mine site organized by the PI. NRCS resource soil scientist and environmental consulting firm representatives provided informal educational session during the activity emphasizing the importance and benefits of reforestation and restoration of ecosystem services in disturbed lands. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?A study is on its way to evaluate release of CO2 from biochar amended soil in an incubation settings using biochars from different feedstock and pyrolysis conditions (incubation chamber was secure and preliminary study was completed successfully).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Biochars from different feedstock and pyrolysis conditions were tested as per objective A) I. II. and III.: biochars were digested and subjected to single-selective extraction procedures. Under objective A "Evaluate the use of selected byproduct to improve Appalachian soils fertility": funding was secured to study the use of water-based horizontal directional drilling (HDD) spent bentonite mud as soil amendment. US EPA found the mud suitable for land application and the study is aimed at develop and provide NRCS and conservation districts in the tri-state region (WV, OH, and PA) with guidlines for its us as soil amendment.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Saminathan T., S.A. Malkaram, D. Patel, K. Taylor, A. Hass, P. Nimmakayala, D.H. Huber, and U.K. Reddy. 2015. Transcriptome Analysis of Invasive Plants in Response to Mineral Toxicity of Reclaimed Coal?Mine Soil in the Appalachian Region. Environmental Science & Technology, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01901
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hass A., D. Patel, Z. Lucas, and J.H. Fike. 2014. Effect of Augmented Fast?Pyrolysis Biochar on Soil Fertility. ASA, SSSA, CSA 2014 Annual Meetings, Nov. 2?5, LongBeach, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hass A., J. Kraft, J. Vandevender, R. Lester, J. Lucas, and N. Blackhurst. 2015. Evaluation of Co?Product Bentonite Drilling Mud as a Soil Amendment. National Material Workshop, NRCS, April 28 ? 30th, Fort Worth, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hass A. Biomass Bio?oil and Biochar for Sustainable Bioenergy Production System. 2014. Renewable Energy in West Virginia. WV Division of Energy, Marshal University Center for Business and Economic Research, June 5th, Flatwoods, WV.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Bar?Tal, A., U. Yermiyahu, A. Ben?Gal, P. Fine, and A. Hass. 2014. Practices that simultaneously optimize water and nutrients use efficiency: Israeli experiences in fertigation and irrigation with treated waste water. p.209?241 In: The Links Between Fertilizers Use and Water Management. (P. Heffer, ed.) IFA/IWMI/IPNI Scientific Publication.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Farmers; waste management industry; pyrolysis and biochar industry' land-holding companies and privet landowner, USDA NRCS, oil and gas horizontal directional drilling industry, academia Changes/Problems: We are under continuing effort to secure funding to support studying the improvement of biochar as sorbent for stormwater contaminant in soil-plant bioretention systems. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two students from WVSU Research Rookies program participated in program's research. One studentfrom theWVSU Summer Undergraduare Research Experience (SURE) program, and one student worker and one recently graduated students are also working on program's research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? More than 45 students, staff and members of the local community participated in reforestation effort as part of reforestation of a mine site organized by the PI. PI, NRCS, and environmental consulting firm representatives provided informal educational session during the activityemphasizing the importance and benefits of reforestation andrestoration of ecosystem services in disturbed lands. White paper reporting protocol for BiocharG formation and product performances and effect on plant growth was provided to our commercial partner and is also awaiting posting on PI webpage as soon as such feature become available by the university. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? To establish lab greenhouse and field studies evaluating drilling mud application on soil propertiesand crop yield. To continue work on biochar as soil amendment, and to secure additional funding for the implementation of the stormwater management study.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Biochar study – we conducted a pot experiment and effect of anaerobically digested dairy manure loaded biochar on soil and plant growth was evaluated. Protocol for use of biochar as sorbent to remove excess nutrients from dairy waste was developed and published in a white paper. Presentation and publication of results in scientific meeting and journalare in the process. Additional funding (from Appalachian Regional Commission) was used for establishment of test plots to evaluate ripping regime on black locust establishment on recently reclaimed mine site. Test plots to study establishment of hybrid poplar of different genetic lines (60) on reclaimed mine site was established in collaboration with USDA FS. Reforestation of recently reclaimed mine site with more than 30,000 trees was accomplishedunderARC project and with strong in-kind support of the land-holding companycoal mining operator. Additional funding was secure from NRCS PA to develop guidelines and recommendations for the use of drilling mud as soil amendment in PA. We established contacts with industry representative and mud samples from different locations/companies/drilling stages. Mud samples were collected and analyzed for chemical and physical properties. PI and NRCS partners visited eighteen different sites throughout PA and WV to identify locations for establishment of field trials, evaluating mud application effect on plant and soil.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hass A., J.M. Gonzalez. 2014. Biochar. p. 95-124 In: Lopez-Valdez F. and Fernandez-Luqueno F. (Eds.), Fertilizers: components, uses in agriculture and environmental impacts. Nova Science Publishers, New York, NY.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Fine P., R. Paresh, A. Beriozkin, and A. Hass. 2014. Chelant-enhanced heavy metal uptake by Eucalyptus trees under controlled deficit irrigation. Sci Total Environ. 493:995-1005.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: BiocharG: Fast?Pyrolysis Biochar of Improved Agronomic Value ? Augmentation. Amir Hass, Dharmesh Patel, and John H. Fike. 25 p. (white paper)


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Farmers, pyrolysis industry operators, land-holding companies and privet landowner, USDA NRCS, oil and gas horizontal drilling operator, Changes/Problems: We are under continues effort to secure funding to support studying the improvement of biochar as sorbent for stormwater contaminant in soil-plant bioretention systems. We are also looking into securing funding for acquisition of GC analyzer to monitor greenhouse gasses (CO2, CO, N2O, CH4) from biochar plots as we get ready to install biochar field experiment. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Two undergraduate students are working on the project at a combined capacity of 30 hours per week. Students learn lab procedures and protocols, conduct chemical and physical analysis, learn to and operate lab equipment and analytical instruments. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? WVSU is working closely with its commercial partner to develop BiocharG as value added productfor the biomass-to-bioenergy industry. Report summarizing current findings is being compiled to be posted on WVSU website and the industry partner before the end of the first quarter of 2014. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Establishing field plots to study BiocharG effect on soil properties and crop production. Continue evaluation of bentonite mud use as soil amendment. Pending securing of funding - investigate the use of biochar as sorbent for storm water contaminants and testing soil-plant system efficiency in attenuate and reduce runoff volume and composition using bioretention runoff management practices; and acquiring GC for greenhouse gasses (N2O, CH4, and CO2) to incorporate a component for investigating release of greenhouse gasses from biochar amended soils later in the project as we implement field study test-plots.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? BiocharG: modified biochar of enhanced agronomic value - BiocharG - is in advanced stages of product development. Biochar from fast pyrolysis of southern pine biomass into bio-oil operation was acquired from a commercial partner. Biochar chemical and physical characterization was successfully concluded. A study was initiated to improve biochar agronomic value by using it as a sorbent for excess nutrients from dairy solid waste products and mix with quarry fines from different geologic formations. Organic and inorganic waste materials were analyzed and selected properties were determined. Protocols for dairy waste extraction were developed and their ability to extract nutrients from the waste solids was evaluated. Procedures and protocols for sorbing the solids extracts onto biochar were developed and assessed. Greenhouse studies are currently implemented in studding effect of biochar and BiocharG on soil properties and plant performances. Beneficial agronomic use of byproduct from horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. DEP in Pennsylvania determined water-based bentonite mud from HDD operations of laying gathering, transmission, and distribution pipelines by the oil and gas industry as a co-product suitable for beneficial use as soil amendment. USDA NRCS providing funding for WVSU to study the beneficial use of the mud as soil amendment in different soils in Appalachia. At the current stage mud samples are being collected from HDD jobsites throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Mud samples will be tested and evaluated following byproduct evaluation as laid down in objective A of this project to evaluate the beneficial use of this byproduct as soil amendment to improve Appalachian soils productivity. Struvite as inorganic P source for plants: Current technology enables to precipitate, remove, and recover phosphorus from animal waste as struvite mineral (NH4MgPO4·6(H2O)). Use of struvite as P fertilizer for growing perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) on Appalachian acid soil (Gilpin soil series) was tested in a pot study. Soil was used as is (pH 4.5) and at two liming rates to reach desired pH (5.5 and 6.5) and treated with struviteor DAP (diammonium phosphate) at three rates appliedat the soil surface or in the seeding furrow.Furrow placement resulted in higher plant growth compared to surface application for both fertilizers. Struvite application resulted in higher germination rate, and higher root and aboveground biomass at the non-limed soil and at the low liming rate. At high lime application rate plant response to struvite was not significantly different from that of DAP. The results of this study suggest that struvite can be placed at the seed furrow without inhibiting seed germination, allowing more intimate placement of the fertilizer. This is likely to result in higher P use efficiency and to minimize P losses in surface runoff due to surface application of P fertilizers. Significant addition in hardware capacity was made during this reporting period - acquisition of ICP OES, microwave-assisted digestion system, scales and balances, etc. to populate the newly established soil and water research lab at WVSU.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: D.P. Patel, A. Hass, H.W. Godwin,K. Moss. 2013. Agglomeration of Biochar for Agronomic Use. ARD Biennial Research Symposium, April 6-10, 2013, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: A. Hass, H. W. Godwin, J. M. Gonzalez. 2013. Plant Response to Struvite Application in Appalachia Acid Soil. ARD Biennial Research Symposium, April 6-10, 2013, Jacksonville, FL.