Thousands of trees planted near Loch Ness could help grow a new income stream for Scotland’s forestry industry while removing thousands of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere. The trees comprise a large-scale test site investigation by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)-funded scientists from the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with Forest Research, Britain’s principal organisation for forestry and tree-related research. Source: Timberbiz
Over the next four years, the scientists will be monitoring the site to find out how biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from forestry residue, performs as a fertiliser, nutrient sponge and soil carbon addition.
The team believes biochar could be a green bullet for forestry and the wider environment, with the potential to generate income while improving soils, reducing residue and storing carbon.
Initial results have already been positive.
