Paper details

Title:

Demonstrative Afforestation Experiments on Challenging Nordic Terrain with Biochar Seedballs

Author(s):

Laurila, N., Kettunen, H., Salmi, H., Tiilikkala, K.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide can be reduced by increasing carbon dioxide-absorbing biomass. The study investigated the possibility of promoting the growth of difficult-to-afforest sites by using nutrient-rich, biochar-based seedballs containing pine (Pinus sylvestris) seeds under Finnish climate. In the first part of the study, the functionality of various seedball mixtures were tested in the laboratory with germination tests. The batches with the best germination rates were selected for pilot testing in various field sites: peatland, rocky mineral soil, and gravel extraction site. Also, aerial spreading of seedballs was tested with a drone-carried granule spreader. The seedballs proved to be a promising method for afforestation of challenging sites under Finnish climate.

Keywords:

CO₂ capture, forestry, pelletization, biochar, biobased products, seeds

Topic:

Sustainability, Impacts and Policies

Subtopic:

Climate impacts and GHG performance

Event:

32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

2BV.7.21

Pages:

337 - 342

ISBN:

978-88-89407-24-0

Paper DOI:

10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-2BV.7.21

Price:

FREE