Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will bring itsprevious experience with wood, paper sludge and poultry biochar in horticultural applications to assistCanadian AgriChar Inc. to develop new compost and biochar-based soil amendments for horticulturalapplications. Biochar is of great interest to agriculture and horticulture at this time for its many qualitiesincluding; retention of nutrients in the soil profile to prevent leaching, holding water provide drought tolerance,and providing a stable source of carbon which supports plants and also microorganisms in the soil. The projectwill work to optimize the value of biochar combined with compost for horticultural markets. Growth trials witha range of horticultural crops will be carried out to compare the response of plants grown in substrate blends ofcompost and peat with biochar at varying rates. Water and nutrient retention data will be examined specifically.The company will benefit from the biochar and horticultural expertise at KPU to diversify their markets withnew products to help meet the increasing demand for environmentally protective products. KPU will benefitfrom expanding its ability to work with local businesses in its region. Horticulture students will benefit fromlearning about new ""green"" products which will be used by their future employers, and gain experience withapplied research.