Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Pages: 219-221

Journal: Carbon Management

Volume number: 8

Issue number: 2

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2017.1328253

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group

Abstract: 
A recent commentary in Carbon Management by Fidel et al. (http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17583004.2017.1306408) question the data selection and the analysis techniques used by Bach et al. (Carbon Management,https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2016.1213608) to assess two key aspects of biochar application in crop production, the effect on crop yield and the long-term carbon sequestration in soil. However, the arguments by Fidel et al. are not convincing. For farmer's decision whether biochar use in crop production might be economically profitable the low median values and large variability of results on yield effect in field trials form a sufficient base to abstain from biochar amendment to soil, therefore a detailed meta-analysis of data is not necessary. Future research may demonstrate under which conditions a pronounced positive and long-lasting effect of biochar application can be expected.

Harvard Citation style: Bach, M., Wilske, B. and Breuer, L. (2017) Response to commentary on 'Current economic obstacles to biochar use in agriculture and climate change mitigation', Carbon Management, 8(2), pp. 219-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2017.1328253

APA Citation style: Bach, M., Wilske, B., & Breuer, L. (2017). Response to commentary on 'Current economic obstacles to biochar use in agriculture and climate change mitigation'. Carbon Management. 8(2), 219-221. https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2017.1328253