New research finds urine-enriched biochar significantly increases crop yield

The journal Agriculture has published a peer reviewed paper on urine enriched biochars written by Landell Mills consultants, led by Hans-Peter Schmidt. The research explores the capacity of urine-enriched biochar as a slow release fertiliser, tested in a field trial in Nepal. The study found urine-enriched biochar to be 300% more effective than urine alone and 85% more effective than just biochar. This leading-edge research demonstrates the potential of low-dosage urine-enhanced biochar to increase yield in silt loam soil. A tentative explanation for this is that urine improves the capacity of biochar to capture and exchange plant nutrients.

This study is part of the Landell Mills implemented project - Mainstreaming Climate Change Risk Management in Development (TA-7984 NEP) Sustainable Rural Ecology for Green Growth. The project explores the potential use of biochar as a means of building climate resilience in Nepal. Its expected impact is a more climate change resilient and productive rural sector. Anticipated outcomes are technically, economically and environmentally sound climate change responsive farming systems that can be scaled up. The project is administered by the Asian Development Bank and funded by the Nordic Development Fund.