Urban Agriculture Production Specialist
Applied Research
Qianwen Lu
Ellicott City
Abstract
Maryland’s Delmarva Peninsula is one of the most intensive poultry-producing regions in the U.S., generating a substantial quantity of poultry manure annually. This manure is rich in plant essential nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), but is often applied according to crop N demand, which leads to excessive P and other nutrients added to the cropland. Overapplication leads to nutrient runoff and leaching, contributing to Chesapeake Bay eutrophication. Converting poultry manure into biochar that is rich in stable carbon through pyrolysis and applying it to agricultural production systems offers a promising strategy to recycle nutrients, reduce the risk of P loss to waterways, and improve soil health. However, the effects of poultry manure biochar have never been assessed in specialty crop production in the Mid-Atlantic. This study investigated the long-term effects of poultry manure biochar on Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris) productivity and soil health. Treatments of 6.73, 20.18, and 33.63 tons/hectare of poultry manure biochar were applied and mixed with the top 15 cm soil. A no biochar control is also included. Plots with Swiss chard planted in 2025 were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Plant samples and soil samples were taken after plant harvest and measured for plant productivity and soil health characteristics. Plants that received 33.63 tons/ha of biochar had the greatest dry and wet biomass compared to other treatments. Plants that received 6.73 tons/ha of biochar had similar dry and wet biomass compared to the control treatment. The continuous release of essential macro- and micro- nutrients from poultry manure biochar and its potential to improve soil structure and stimulate soil microbial activity may have led to enhanced plant biomass in high rate treatment. The research will be replicated in the following 3 years to monitor the long-term effects of biochar on plant productivity and soil health.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Qianwen Lu
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Lu, Q. Urban Agriculture Production Specialist, University of Maryland, Maryland, 21042