Combining Lab-Based Analysis and Science Communication with an Experimental Citizen Science Approach: Does Biochar Improve Resilience of Plants to Drought Stress?

Abstract

Citizen science is a powerful tool for collecting data in inaccessible places and at scales that would otherwise not be possible. Studies using complex, laboratory-based technical analysis with samples derived from easy to conduct experiments could also capitalize on this approach, by including the public in the experimental undertaking. This approach offers practical communication opportunities to raise awareness about the scientific method. We used an experimental citizen science approach in order to communicate the concept of land-based carbon sequestration and the potential role of biochar (i.e. charcoal added to soil). At four gardening events (between 100 and 7,000 attendees) we encouraged participation in our pot-scale citizen science project. We aimed to assess drought resilience of pot plants in soils amended with biochar. Participants sent their mature plant samples to our laboratory for stable isotope analysis to get results and additional information on drought stress, that was otherwise not possible. We observed no significant negative or positive effects of biochar, neither on the water use efficiency, as determined by isotopic methods or on the growth of the bean plants. Our two-stage strategy (experimental citizen science and laboratory analysis) was an effective way of involving people. We identified some challenges sustaining commitment and made some improvements to the project design. Overall we successfully avoided the “learning deficit” trap by engaging the people in an experimental learning activity; demonstrating that combining experimental citizen science with lab-based analysis is a promising and inspiring approach for future studies.

Keywords

• stable isotopes
• biochar
• water use efficiency
• citizen science
• science communication