Welsh university announces project to help improve soil quality

Aberystwyth University in Wales has announced a new project to investigate biomass technology and the production of biochar, Wales Online reported.

The substance is rich in essential nutrients for plants and its porous nature improves water retention in soil, making it a good fertiliser.

Biochar is produced when vegetable waste is burned in the absence of oxygen, the website explained.

Researchers from the university's Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (Ibers) intend to examine the potential for both creating and marketing the product using waste materials using methods that will not be environmentally damaging.

Dr Edward Hodgson, research scientist at Ibers, told the news provider that the project presents "a huge opportunity".

"Knowledge transfer between the university and business is very much a part of the project," he explained.

In November 2009, Ibers set up a project in collaboration with representatives from the farming industry, technology companies and fuel manufacturers and distributors to develop a more environmentally sustainable method of biofuel production.

Posted by Lauren Steadman