Effect of biochar amendment on soybean root disease potential caused by Fusarium virguliforme and Phytophthora sojae;
Alison Robertson ( Iowa State University), David Laird ( Iowa State University), Leonor Leandro ( Iowa State University), Natalie Rogovska ( Iowa State University) ($50431). The Project Manager's email is dalaird@iastate.edu.
Key Words: Phytophthora Root Rot, Soil Fertility Studies, Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), Biochar
As the bioenergy industry develops, large quantities of biochar, a co-product of the pyrolysis process of producing bio-fuels and other renewal energy sources, may become available for agricultural use as a soil amendment. Application of biochar to soil has been shown to reduce compaction, increase water and nutrient holding capacity, enhance biological activity and reduce leaching of agrochemicals. Studies have also suggested that biochar may suppress certain fungal diseases of vegetable crops. Therefore, studies are needed to investigate the effect of biochar on microbiological, chemical and physical properties of soil and its possible effect on influencing disease levels and plant growth.
The project’s specific objectives are to:
• Evaluate the effect of various types of biochars on soybean sudden death syndrome and Phytophthora root rot severity; and
• Investigate the impact of change in soil physical properties brought about by biochar and vermiculite application on infection of soybean by F. virguliforme and P. sojae.
This project is funded by Indiana Soybean Alliance
Website is funded by the soybean checkoff
