Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID ME_2023_Li

Socio‐Economic and Environmental Analyses for Using Woody Biochar to Conserve Water and Sustain Agriculture in Maine

Institute: Maine
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $34,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $36,027

Principal Investigators: Ling Li

Project Summary: This project addresses the water scarcity challenges facing Maine's wild blueberry agriculture due to climate change and drought. Given that over 70% of the wild blueberry farmlands lack irrigation systems, our study proposes the use of biochar to enhance soil water retention and crop productivity. This research will evaluate the impacts of biochar on soil water storage, efficiency of water use, berry production, and cost-effectiveness, along with its potential regional impacts on water quantity and quality. It will also examine the biochar production supply chain, conduct a life cycle assessment of the biochar-to-soil system, and assess the economic and policy implications of agricultural biochar use. The project aspires to generate sustainable strategies, a hydrological model for biochar applications, and foster local biochar product use for drought management. The outcomes are expected to support the forest products industry, assist policymakers, and serve as preliminary data for a long-term field study.