Impacts of new amendments on wheat growth and soil health of a Black Chernozemic soil

The proposed project objective is to conduct a field study on an acidic soil located at the Battle River Research Group site near Galahad, Alberta. The study will focus on the effects of land application of materials such as biochar, wood ash and sugar beet sludge lime on reducing acidity of the soil, and effects on wheat health and soil health. The materials applied to land are considered waste materials that are often disposed in landfills, and if that continues will put more pressure on land resources needed to build more landfills. These materials may be useful in correcting acidic soils and providing important nutrients for plant growth. This will benefit the Battle River Research Group with knowledge gained on whether land application of these materials, often considered as wastes, could be a feasible, low-cost option for correcting soil acidity problems compared to agricultural lime and if that could improve wheat growth and overall soil health.

Faculty Supervisor:

Emmanuel Mapfumo

Student:

Partner:

Battle River Research Group

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Concordia University of Edmonton

Program: