Biochar Applications and Lifecycle in the Green Industry

Dr. Chris Fields-Johnson

Davey Institute

Join us at the Ted Moorhead Lagoon House for June's Lagoon at Noon discussion on biochar featuring Dr. Chris Fields-Johnson. Biomass transformed into biochar through pyrolysis can improve soil and water quality while sequestering atmospheric carbon. This presentation will cover the science behind biochar, a series of experiments to understand its effects on soil and water, and a comprehensive set of options with best management practices for biochar utilization. It will tie together these practices into a positive feedback loop where each round of biochar production can lead to a more productive landscape, cleaner air, and reduced greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It will conclude with an introduction to a new land-based experiment to test the effects of biochar on disturbed urban soils.

The seminar will end with a live Q&A session. Given the limited seating in the Lagoon House and an increased demand for in-person tickets, there is a $5 in-person attendance fee. Please feel free to bring your own lunch. Coffee and cookies will be provided. Viewing Lagoon at Noon presentations via Zoom remains free. We thank you for your continued support of our Lagoon at Noon Program.

The Zoom link will be in your confirmation email. A recording of the presentation will be posted to MRC's YouTube page for future viewing.

About the Speakers

Dr. Chris Fields-Johnson

Dr. Chris Fields-Johnson is the Tree Conservation Specialist and Technical Advisor for the Mid-Atlantic region for the Davey Institute, providing technical support to Davey plant health care operations and expertise in soil, water, and root zone management across the United States and Canada. He holds a Ph.D. and an M.Sc. in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences, and graduated Summa cum laude with a B.Sc. in Forest Resource Management from Virginia Tech. His graduate work included research on the reforestation of surface mined lands in the Appalachian coal field and the development of biochar to improve the rehabilitation of impaired soils. His current research is on recycling urban forest green waste to optimize plant-soil-water relationships through usage of mulch, compost, and biochar. Through the Society of American Foresters, he is a Certified Urban and Community Forester. Through the International Society of Arboriculture, he is a Board Certified Master Arborist and holds Tree Risk Assessment, Prescription Pruning, and Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualifications. Through the Virginia Department of Forestry, he is a Certified Prescribed Burn Manager and Wildland Firefighter. He lives with his wife and two children in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they enjoy hiking, cycling, and kayaking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

June 2026 Lagoon at Noon

Biochar Applications and Lifecycle in the Green Industry with Dr. Chris Fields-Johnson