Join this biochar webinar series that will provide an introduction to biochar and review some current advances in biochar science, with subsequent discussion of nursery and landscape research and applications. While geared toward landscapers and nursery growers, farmers and those generally interested in biochar are welcome. This is a free, virtual workshop series offered via Zoom.

 

Tuesday, November 10: Biochar Basics Overview, 12:00 – 2:30 PM (EST)

 

• Biochar: an introduction to a sustainable soil amendment
  • Deborah Aller, PhD, Agricultural Stewardship Specialist, CCE – Suffolk

 

• USBI: Introduction to the biochar community
  • Tom Miles, Executive Director – USBI (United States Biochar Initiative)

 

• Biochar for climate mitigation: withdrawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequestering it in soil
  • Johannes Lehmann, PhD, Professor – Cornell University

 

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Thursday, November 12: Science Behind Biochar, 5:00 – 7:30 PM (EST)

 

• Properties of biochar and torrefied biomass: the science in the analytical black box
  • Jillian Goldfarb, PhD, Assistant Professor – Cornell University

 

• Advances in biochar production
  • Bernardo Del Campo, PhD, President – ARTi (Advanced Renewable Technology International)

 

• Valorization of biochar: Applications in nutrient recycling from animal manure
  • Chumki Banik, PhD, Research Associate – Iowa State University

 

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Tuesday, November 17: Ornamental Nursery Applications of Biochar, 12:00 – 2:30 PM (EST)

• Biochar as a substrate in container production
  • Neil Mattson, PhD, Associate Professor – Cornell University

 

• Biochar nursery trials in Long Island container and field production
  • Deborah Aller, PhD, Agricultural Stewardship Specialist, & Mina Vescera, Nursery/Landscape Specialist, CCE-Suffolk

 

• Biochar as a soil amendment for blueberry production
  • Bryan Sales, PhD, Assistant Professor – University of North Carolina at Pembroke

 

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Thursday, November 19: Landscape Applications of Biochar, 5:00 – 7:30 PM (EST)

• Biochar and biosolids increase tree growth and improve soil quality for urban landscapes
  • Bryant Scharenbroch, PhD Assistant Professor – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

 

• Biochar as a soil amendment to improve tree survival and health in the urban environment
  • Emma Schaffert, The F. A. Bartlett Tree Experts, North Carolina

 

• Field and landscape applications of biochar using a variety of methods
  • Andrew Borner, Owner of Natural Plant Solutions – Shaw Island, WA

 

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Continuing Education Credits Per Webinar

NYS registered LAs: 2.5 credit hours in HSW

CNLP and ISA arborist credits: pending

NYSDEC applicator credits: none available for this series

 

Host organization: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County

Contact info: Deborah Aller: da352@cornell.edu | Mina Vescera: 631-603-9613 • mv365@cornell.edu