Thesis Defence: Assessing Okanagan Natural Soil Quality for Increased Carbon Sequestration and Agricultural Productivity Through Utilizing Organic Amendments and Biochar

Hesham Khaled Sharaby, supervised by Dr. Sumi Siddiqua, will defend their thesis titled “Assessing Okanagan Natural Soil Quality for Increased Carbon Sequestration and Agricultural Productivity Through Utilizing Organic Amendments and Biochar” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.

An abstract for Hesham Khaled Sharaby’s thesis is included below.

Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Please email sumi.siddiqua@ubc.ca to receive the Zoom link for this defence.

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ABSTRACT

This research highlights the widespread preference for commercial soil in the cultivation of agricultural goods and cover crops, despite its high demand for fertilizers and need for specific additives to ensure effective operation and large-scale plant growth support. The study proposes the use of organic materials derived from waste as viable substitutes for soils that require substantial fertilizer input, aiming to improve plant growth and efficiency while also addressing climate change and maximizing crop production cost-effectively. The investigation focuses on comparing the effects of four unique soil blends on the development and carbon storage capabilities of Annual Ryegrass, Pacific Gold Mustard, and Winter Rye, using commercial soil as a benchmark. The tested soil mixtures incorporate natural soil, extracted from the Okanagan Valley, Canada, with Ogogrow and Glengrow composts at different levels, along with versions enhanced with biochar at 3% and 5% dosages. Findings demonstrate that soils amended with compost generally surpassed the commercial variant in performance, particularly when augmented with biochar in specified quantities. Throughout a three-month period, analysis of the harvested soils showed an upsurge in organic carbon, linked to the plants’ ability to capture and store carbon, while all tested plants exhibited notable enhancements in growth and yield. This study seeks to shed light on how biochar and composts can significantly improve plant growth and carbon sequestration compared to traditional farming resources.