I am particularly interested in some soil fertility aspects related to soil organic matter. Within the last years, a part of my team focussed on pyrogenic organic matter (biochar) effect on soil properties.
We developed quite an expertise here in Zurich and we are going more and more into this topic. In particular, I am the head of the Swiss biochar network, which is coordinating 15 labs in Switzerland working on this topic. I also published a couple of papers on this topic.
Recently, we received some seedling money from the university of Zurich to find out if it would be possible to develop a biochar project in India (the two main reasons why India was mentioned were that soils and climate of South India could be well adapted to the biochar technology and that my wife is from Bangalore and one of my PhD student from Ranchi, so we already have contacts there). We would like to propose a study about biochar impact on soils and crops in Karnataka. Last time I was there, I was particularly interested in the sugar cane production near Mandya, and I would be interested in this kind of systems.
I know that some initiatives already exist in India regarding biochar, and I would like to know more about it.
With 3 of my PhD students, we are planning to come in March to Bangalore to find out if it would be possible to start a project with partners on-site. We would like to meet different potential partners and plan for proposals.
Is there people working about biochar in Karnataka or in the south ? would it be possible to meet some people on site there ?
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions
regards
Samuel Abiven
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Samuel Abiven
University of Zurich / Physical Geography / Soil Science and Biogeography
Winterthurerstr. 190 / CH-8057 Zurich / Switzerland
Skype : abiven.samuel