Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture Systems
Translational Terra Project
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Sponsor:
THRC's Community Health and Economic Resilience Research (CHERR) Center of Excellence
PI:
Dr. Nicole Wagner
Research Pillar(s):
This project researches the application of biochar, a form of charcoal made from organic waste or biomass, to improve soil health, plant microbial diversity, water retention, and the nutritional density of crops.
The primary goal of this research is to understand the application of biochar at scale and determine best practices for rangeland restoration, plant growth, and soil health using biochar soil amendments. Additionally, the project aims to assess the economic viability of biochar application for both small and large acreage. By combating the issue of highly degraded croplands, this project fosters resilient agricultural systems that benefit the health and resilience of people, animals, and the environment.
Researchers & Collaborators
Dr. Nicole Wagner
Faculty Fellow, THRC
Assistant Professor, Agricultural Sciences
Dr. Hugh McLaughlin
Advisor, THRC
Biochar Expert
IN THE MEDIA
VIDEO SERIES: ROOTED IN RESEARCH
Office Hours Podcast
Faculty Fellow Nicole Wagner speaks on how she became a researcher and future projects including Biochar.
PRESENTATION
Multidisciplinary Opportunities for Biochar Research
Dr. Hugh McLaughlin, an internationally renowned expert on biochar, gives a lecture on how biochar can be used for soil regeneration, water conservation, food production, engineering processes, and sustainability.
Listen to learn about the current state of biochar research, its multidisciplinary applications, and opportunities for universities, like TXST, to become leaders in this emerging field.
PUBLICATION
Effect of Acidic Biochar Extracts and Biofertilizers on Seed Germination
Authors: Samira Islas-Valdez and Nicole Wagner