Students present biochar research at Earth Day event

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Britt Fossum | Graduate Student | Agronomy and Horticulture

Students working in Assistant Professor Michael Kaiser’s research group presented projects related to biochar, a biomass-derived material used as a soil additive, at the Lincoln Earth Day event April 23. The students’ posters displayed alongside a booth organized by the Lincoln Biochar Initiative.

Kaiser is a soil scientist engaged in research and teaching at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture.

Student research projects displayed and presented at the event included undergraduate theses on biochar feedstocks presented by Amelia Long, a senior environmental studies major, and on analyzing the potential use of biochar for agriculture in Rwanda prepared by Andromede Uwase, a senior integrated science major. Britt Fossum, an agronomy graduate student specializing in environmental studies, presented an ongoing research project focused on biochar application combined with no-till and cover crops in Nebraska.

Uwase also had the opportunity to present findings from her project to the Minister of Agriculture of Rwanda Gerardine Mukeshimana and a delegation of Rwandan officials who were visiting the university at the time.

Work in Kaiser’s group explores the potential for biochar as an agricultural soil amendment and as a climate-smart agricultural practice with potential to improve soil health and stimulate carbon storage. In addition to research, his work with the Lincoln Biochar Initiative aims to raise awareness of biochar and promote production and utilization of biochar in city-wide development projects.

Andromede Uwase
Andromede Uwase had the opportunity to present findings from her project to the Minister of Agriculture of Rwanda Gerardine Mukeshimana and a delegation of Rwandan officials visiting the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

More Agronomy and Horticulture News

Britt Fossum, an agronomy graduate student, speaks with the public about biochar application combined with no-till and cover crops at the Lincoln Earth Day event April 23.
Britt Fossum, an agronomy graduate student, speaks with the public about biochar application combined with no-till and cover crops at the Lincoln Earth Day event April 23.