A Comparison of Methods to Apply Biochar into Temperate Soils

Introduction 1 Appropriate Technologies-Matching Methods with Purposes toApply Biochar in Soils 1.1 High Biochar Application Rates for the Purpose ofMaximising Soil Carbon Sinks 1.2 High Biochar Application Rates for the Purposes ofTreatment of Contaminated Soils 1.3 High Biochar Application Rates to Mitigate Risks ofEutrophication of Water 1.4 High Biochar Application Rates for the Purposes ofImproved Soil Quality 2 The Precautionary Principle-The Need to Know More BeforeOver Re-acting3 Biochar Research Foci-Cultural Heritage, and Historic Scientifi c Legacies of Research into Ancient Amazonian ‘Terra Preta de Indio’, or Novel Biochar Soils ‘Terra Preta de Nova’3.1 Biochar Application and Recycling of other Soil Organic Matter Sources3.2 Integration of Biochar Application into No-tillage and other Soil Carbon Enhancement Methods3.3 Comparing Objectives and Outcomes of ‘Conventional Tillage’ and ‘Conservation Tillage’3.4 Four Important Issues for Tillage Practices to Encourage Reliable Seed Germination, Seedling Emergence and Establishment3.5 To Mulch or Not to Mulch?—To Till or Not to Till? 3.6 Mechanical versus Biological Biochar Incorporation in Soils 3.7 Seeking Applicable Questions to Find Suitable Solutions forHow to Apply Biochar 3.8 Possible Answers or Potential Lessons from SocialSciences and Modern Soil Sciences 3.9 An Historical Context of the Adoption and Decline ofConventional Tillage Methods and the Subsequent Growth of Modern Conservation Tillage Methods4 Biochar Application using Conventional Tillage and Conservation Tillage Methods: Energy Costs and the Effective Management of Environmental and Occupational Risks4.1 What is Wrong with Ploughing or Conventional Tillage Methods?