Dr. Mingxin Guo, a professor at Delaware State University, has invented a new type of fertilizer named "biochar." (Photo: WBOC)
Biochar starts as leaves, wood chips and even chicken manure. Together they are all cooked at a high temperature in an oven and come out looking like charcoal. (Photo: WBOC)
04/22/2008 9:35 PM ET
DOVER, Del.- One Delaware State University professor says he has found a way to help out both farmers and the environment. His idea could mean a change in the way farmers fertilize their fields.
Dr. Mingxin Guo has invented a fertilizer named "biochar." It starts as leaves, wood chips and even chicken manure. Together they are all cooked at a high temperature in an oven and come out looking like charcoal.
Guo added the biochar to the soil in plants growing inside DSU's greenhouse. According to Guo, the biochar allowed the soil to absorb more water and nutrients, so plants could be watered less.
In addition, Gou said the chalky substance stays in the soil for hundreds of years. And, the process of making biochar prevents the leaves and chicken manure from releasing carbon dioxide into the air. The professor said it is one possible way to ease global warming.
"Because global warming is really a problem for everyone, we are hoping that carbon dioxide from organic material can be permanently fixed into the ground," Gou said.
This would not replace fertilizer entirely, but Guo is hopeful his years of work will eventually pay off.
For the next five years, the biochar will be tested at DSU's agricultural research center in Smyrna. After that, do not be surprised to find the black stuff in a field near you.
