Feeding cows a mixture of high-temperature wood
biochar and molasses has had the potential to reduce
costs for the farmer, to improve soil properties, and
to improve pasture health. Dung beetles moved the
dung and biochar through the soil horizon to increase
stable C and to enhance soil fertility. The C lattice
of biochar appeared to undergo minimal changes as it
passed through the gut of the animal. The biochardung
composite had a high N concentration and there
was an increase in C–O and C–OOH functional groups.
Once in the soil the biochar started to age through interaction
with soil organic and mineral matter. Available
P and N concentrations of the soil around the
biochar increased due to a series of complex reactions.
These changes could occur over a range of depths as
biochar was taken through the soil profile quickly by
dung beetles.
Aside from the scientific merits of this approach,
a basic financial assessment suggested that there may
have economic benefits as well. This study provided
very positive and initial evidence that biochar practice