The function and effective use of humics, biological stimulants and biochar additions to soil
The presentation introduces the use of biological stimulants in soil. Motivation to use the diverse portfolio of products available based on market demand is reviewed and along with a few examples of how these projects are intended to work. Although interest in this field is strong, on farm results are highly variable including negative responses. In addition to the use of biological stimulants, the use of biochar applied to soil is introduced. The properties of biochar are reviewed along with a discussion about when it is appropriate to use biochar as a soil amendment.
Speaker
Cliff Johnston
Cliff Johnston has been a Professor of Soil Science in the Agronomy Department since 1993. He teaches courses in soil chemistry and soil biogeochemistry and conducts both laboratory and field-scale research. Prior to joining the faculty at Purdue, he was a member of the faculty in Soil and Water Science at the University of Florida for nine years. Cliff is originally from northern California and received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of California at Riverside.