Research and innovation related to the agricultural use of biochar: two cuban study cases VIII Taller Internacional "Universidad, Seguridad y Soberanía Alimentaria"

Abstract

Biochar, porous material rich in carbon, obtained by pyrolysis of dry biomasses, has several agricultural uses; its generalization in Cuba demands demonstrations/training. The objectives of this works are i) to evaluate, in a urban agriculture production´s form, the effect of rice husk biochar (carboncillo) mixed with manures on the production of lettuces seedlings and tomato yield in house under shelter condition and ii) reseach/innovate on the production/use of biochar on farms in a national park. The works were developed within the framework of BioC project, where nine Cuban and two Swiss entities participated (2018-2022). In the Basic Cooperative Production Unit (UBPC) “Organopónico Vivero Alamar” (Havana) combinations of biochar, humus and compost were evaluated. It was determine that biochar+compost+humus (25:25:50%) constitutes the optimal substrate to produce seedlings. The use fo biochar+ humus, applied at planting, increased tomato yields. The trials served as the basis to start the generalization in the UBPC and works with farmers and children of different ages in the municipality. In the “Alejandro de Humboldt” National Park (Guantánamo), biochar was produced from pruning material and invasive plantas, using it in production of food and trees of environmental interest. Local leaders, farmers and children were linked to small trials on selected farms; communicating results in workshops, radio broadcasts and local television. In both scenarios, with different contexts and ways of working, the application of biochar was achieved by producing food and improving soils, as an example of circular economy/adaptation measure.