Cation adsorption (positive ions) Huge capacity: micropore surfaces

CationCation adsorption adsorption (positive ions) (positive ions)Huge capacity: micropore surfacesHuge capacity: micropore surfacesIncrease Increase CECCEC sharply (+20-50) sharply (+20-50)Increase stored growth potentialIncrease stored growth potential

Easily available formsEasily available formsAdsorbed on micropore surfacesAdsorbed on micropore surfacesRetain nutrients in root zoneRetain nutrients in root zoneSimple ion exchange with rootsSimple ion exchange with rootsReduce leaching (40-80%)Reduce leaching (40-80%)

Enhance microbial activityEnhance microbial activityEfficient nutrient use by plantsEfficient nutrient use by plantsReduce fertillizer applicationsReduce fertillizer applicationsEnhance growth of cropsEnhance growth of cropsHigher crop nutrient contentHigher crop nutrient content

Sorption to detoxify & remediateSorption to detoxify & remediateHeavy metalsHeavy metalsOrganic moleculesOrganic molecules

Store charge as ions (micropore adsorption)Store charge as electrons (carbon rings)Release charge for growthRegulate level & polaritySource of charge?

CCation ation EExchange xchange CCapacityapacity AAnion nion EExchange xchange CCapacityapacity

Nitrogen, Boron, IodineNitrogen, Boron, IodinePhosphorus, Sulfur, ChlorinePhosphorus, Sulfur, ChlorineSodium, Potassium, Calcium, MagnesiumSodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium

most Trace Elementsmost Trace Elements

80 bu

5100 bu

7120 bu

9140 bu

11160 bu

13180 bu

16

Soil Class CECCECSandy 3-5Silt Loam 10-15Heavy Clay 20-25

Corn Yield CECCEC

Soil as battery

Where are the electrons?

Electron adsorption capacity

Soil conducivity

Cations add charge to batteryAnions carry charge around in cell & plantAcid = + charge = electron deficit

Charge carriers: electrons = negativeCellulose & micropores: charge conductorCarbon ring & electron cloud: capacitorIons, membranes & biofilms: circuit board

Capacity to contain electronsAbility to pass electric current

Cation ECation Exchange xchange CCapacity (apacity (CECCEC))PARADIGM SHIFTPARADIGM SHIFT Biochar PropertiesBiochar Properties

CC CC

CC

CC

CC

CC

−e

−e