Biogeochemical modeling of carbon stock changes in tropical soils amended with biochar

• Grant number: 25/01169-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: João Luís Nunes Carvalho
• Grantee: Amanda Ronix Pereira
• Host Institution: CENTRO ESTUDOS CARBONO AGRICULTURA TROPICAL/USP
• Associated research grant: 21/10573-4 - Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON), AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/14148-7 - Validation of the RothC-biochar model for simulating carbon stock in tropical soils, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

Over the past two decades, several studies have been conducted using process-based biogeochemical models to assess the impact of various factors on soil carbon storage and to study the dynamics of soil organic carbon. Biochar, a carbon-rich material obtained from the controlled combustion of biomass residues, has been identified as a promising carbon sequestration strategy. However, the current models do not adequately incorporate the role of biochar in soil management. In this context, the main objective of this project was to calibrate and validate the RothC-Biochar model to estimate carbon sequestration potential in tropical soils. This project aims to fill several knowledge gaps, including soil carbon stock data collection from long-term biochar experiments in tropical soils, rigorous validation of the RothC-Biochar model, substantial contribution to the understanding of the impact of carbon sequestration through the application of biochar in soil, provision of reliable information to guide decision makers, broad dissemination of the knowledge generated through scientific publications, participation in fairs and events, and training and qualification of other professionals interested in the subject. This project is expected to represent a significant advance in the research on carbon sequestration and contribute to the promotion of sustainable soil management practices in tropical environments.