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Miyawaki forests are diverse, densely planted trees that help increase below ground and above ground biodiversity. Incorporating biochar beneath the forest encourages healthiness.
About
The Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory (SIBL) at Durham University is conducting regenerative agricultural research experiments with over 40 farmers in Cumbria and North Yorkshire. This research is developing the right combination of biochar and seaweed to enhance soil mycorrhizae that enhances micro- and macro-nutrient uptake in crops, specifically heritage and/or heirloom crops. SIBL is expanding this research into forestry applications, by incorporating the Miyawaki method for planting trees densely, which improves and increases biodiversity below and above ground.
Key Benefits
Adding biochar into the soil can improve the productivity and nutrient composition of the plants that grow on them (Gröcke et al. 2021). Once biochar is incorporated into the soil, it is permanent. The biochar acts as an absorbent of nutrients in the soil and so every year only a molal amount of nutrients are required (e.g., mulch). The Miyawaki forest method is that trees are planted densely, but when doing so they require nutrient-rich soil. However, by adding biochar into the soil all nutrients added will be absorbed and released slowly to the trees and helping them maintain their growth year after year. Miyawaki forests in urban environments not only improve biodiversity but reduces surrounding temperatures, cleans the air, provides shade and can provide social tranquility and improves mental health.
Applications
The primary target for this application would be urban and industrial regions where small pockets of land can be transformed by incorporating Miyawaki forests with soil biochar. The landscape of many corporations have ample land that is poorly used environmentally and sustainably: many areas have ornamental plants and/or mowed grass. If corporations were to design Miyawaki forests into their land then this would improve many factors as mentioned above. Notwithstanding the above the corporations can obtain carbon credits and deliver an environmental and sustainable frontage to society, clients and customers.