Mélanie Élouise BennetPhD Student

University of East Anglia, School of Biological SciencesJohn Innes Centre, Dept. Molecular Microbiology

Chairman, UEA Gardening Groupm.bennet@uea.ac.uk

The gasification + combined heat and power generator at the University of

East Anglia

My work at UEA:

I test the potential toxicity of biochar from the UEA combined heat and power gasification unit on plant growth. The aim is to ultimately develop a pilot field trial in Norkolk and begin delivering bespoke support to farmers and environmental/land managers.

The On-Farm Carbon Cyclefor biochar in agriculture

CO2

CO2

C

Biomass C

CO + HSyngas

10%

90%

10%

90%

10%

90%

10%

90%

10%

90%

10%

90%

Generation 1 Generation 2 Generation 3

• Harvest• Top up• Add BC +

Nutrients • Grow G2

• Harvest• Top up• Add BC +

Nutrients • Grow G3

• Harvest• Top up• Add BC +

Nutrients • Grow G2

• Harvest• Top up• Add BC +

Nutrients • Grow G3

Pla

nted

Pla

nted

Unp

lant

edU

npla

nted

My work at JIC Soil biodiversity – microbial community analysis

My work at JIC Soil biodiversity – microbial community analysis

UEA Gardening Club In May 2011, the university have opened the first campus allotment-type gardening scheme for staff and students. The site contains approx. 55 plots (5 m x 10 m), shaded polytunnels, industrial glasshouses as well a shed and kitchen facilities. We are all very excited about this new development!

I am very excited about my new role as chairman of the UEA Gardening Group. I hope that we can develop biodiversity conservation, beekeeping and potentially small biochar trials on-site in the near future.

SAPling School Allotment Project

In 2008, during my undergraduate studies, I wanted to do something that would really help my local community. I was regularly volunteering to teach science activities at Chapelbreak Infant School and felt the would benefit from developing this further by buidling a playground allotment.

The school was very happy to start work on the project. We managed to get funding, build the allotment and win several Lord Mayor awards within the space of 8 months.

The allotment provided opportunities for art-based learning in conjunction with community groups, and further “green” development of the school land.

A biodiversity forest, several outdoor classrooms, duck enclosure and were created following the success of SAPlings.

SAPling School Allotment Project

SAPling School Allotment Project