Evaluating the performance of biomass disposal machines and using biochar for soil remediation
Forest restoration and fuel reduction thinning treatments of ponderosa pine forests in Arizona generate a large amount of forest residues commonly referred to as biomass. Open pile burning is often used to dispose of biomass accumulated in landings after restoration thinning, however, this method is associated with smoke emissions and damage to forest soil and its properties. Air Curtain Burner (ACB) and CharBoss (CB) machines have been developed to offer an alternative to open pile burning. In March/ April 2023, a study was conducted to evaluate the performance of an ACB for biomass disposal and CB for biochar production with the objectives of outlining the benefits and limitations of biomass management methods specific to each machine. The overall goal of this study is to help forestland managers better understand alternative biomass management options and their long-term financial implications and environmental benefits.
The Pipeline Fire was reported on June 12, 2022. It burned 26,532 acres near Flagstaff and left burn scars and subsequently showed post-wildfire flood risk. Restoring fire-damaged soil can help promote the establishment of new vegetation and reduce future flood events. Biochar produced by CB was applied to soil on private property burned by the Pipeline Fire. A biochar-based plantation study is being conducted with ponderosa pine saplings and is comprised of two controls and two biochar treatments. We plan to study the impact of biochar on the soil’s physio-chemical and biological properties and will harvest the plants in August/ September 2024 to study the plant growth parameters.