Pyrogenic carbon: a panacea for restoration of below-ground ecosystem function?

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Fire is a common disturbance agent that drives ecosystem function by influencing both above- and below-ground processes, such as community structure, nutrient availability, microbial dynamics, and soil organic matter stabilization. Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) is the main residue of fire that influences these different soil biogeochemical interactions. PyC is also believed to be highly resistant to decomposition, residing in soil for 100's to 1000's of years post-fire. These two facts make PyC a significant legacy substrate of natural disturbance. Despite its significance, we know surprisingly little about the amount of PyC in different ecosystems or its influence on above- and below-ground function. Recent literature suggests that PyC is an important, yet understudied component of the global C cycle with sources in all terrestrial ecosystems and storage in terrestrial and marine environments. Biochar is a human made surrogate for PyC, both of which are part of the broader Black C (BC) continuum. A better understanding how these components of the BC continuum affect below-ground processes is necessary for applying this material to ecosystem restoration. The long-term goals of my research program are to quantify BC in western Canadian ecosystems to help with global C accounting, and to examine how BC influences ecosystem function in natural and human disturbed areas. Many heavily managed ecosystems are no longer allowed to burn at regular intervals and therefore are not receiving regular additions of BC. Biochar could be used to help emulate the effects of fire in these managed ecosystems. Through the study of BC, this research will generate a better understanding of plant, soil, and microbe interaction, recovery from fire, soil carbon sequestration after fire, and how these processes might be applied to ecosystem management and restoration. Land reclamation is particularly important in the Canadian north which has experienced rapid industrial growth related to oil and gas development, mineral exploration, and mining. In the future, large areas will require land reclamation and restoration of ecological function. I believe that BC will have an integral role in stimulating pre-adapted recovery strategies causing successful restoration to happen more quickly. Findings from this research will influence reclamation practice and therefore will be of high importance for federal and provincial governments, industry, and reclamation practitioners.