The effect of biofuel waste application on Pinus banksiana

Biofuels are rising in importance as an alternative to fossil fuels. The waste from biofuels has the potential to beused as a soil fertilizer. However, increasing soil fertility can hinder the growth of tree seedlings. Increased soil
fertility can lead to increased competition with grasses and shrubs and make tree seedling more attractive to grazing animals. The objective of this study is to provide an alternative use for Manitoba’s wood crop as a biofuel-based industry, where the waste materials are used to increase the yield of the biofuel stock, thus benefitting the economy and environment. Biofuel waste will be applied with and without nitrogen fertilizer to a jack pine plantation. Selected areas will have vegetation clipped back and other areas will have the seedlings protected from grazing. Tree seedling growth will be monitored and compared among the treatments and soil nutrients measured to determine their effect on plant growth.

Faculty Supervisor:

John Markham

Student:

Partner:

Pineland Forest Nursery

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: