“I saw biochar in action and it blew me away. When you see white beach sand that is now capable of producing food because it’s a functioning soil, it doesn’t take long to be convinced.” A study done by Saskatchewan Polytech on soil reclamation involving biochar could change the face of soil in Canada. Andrew […]
“1 tonne biochar can trap 2.0-2.6 tonnes of CO2” It is well-established that the concrete industry and use of cement is one of the most emission-intensive industrial processes on Earth. Concrete is the most widely used human-made material on the planet shaping most of the built environment; however, it also has an immense carbon footprint. […]
Hjelmsäter was one of the first companies to start a production of biochar in Sweden. Production of charcoal through pyrolysis has been around since the medieval times. But here we are talking about modern production, also through pyrolysis, that has been talked about for over 10 years. Now, it seems that a breakthrough is close, thanks to boilers that optimizes the process with computer power, and equipment that make the handling easier.
Biochar offers several benefits as a soil amendment, including increased soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and water-holding capacity in nutrient-poor soils. In this study, soil samples with and without biochar additives were collected for two consecutive years from an experimental field plot to examine its effect on the microbial community structure and functions in sandy soils under peach-trees.
Using pits from the Kewadin plant, Cornell researchers experimented with how to convert them to biochar, a charcoal-like, carbon-rich substance made by heating pits in a zero- or low-oxygen environment. Biochar is usually plowed or dug into farm fields and gardens to enrich the soil.
A Nova Scotia lumber company is turning to biochar as a solution to its wood chips and low-grade wood.
Biochar’s benefits for the long-term sequestration of carbon and nitrogen on American farms are clear, but new research from Rice University shows it can help farmers save money on irrigation as well. The study showed that sandy soil, in particular, gains ability to retain more water when amended with biochar.
Farmers in Australia are adding biochar to cattle feed in an effort to reduce methane emissions and increase soil carbon.
The biochar process is ingenious, turning green waste into heat before returning it to the soil as an agricultural nutrient. No wonder it’s turning a profit.
Soil specialist says a burned organic material, biochar, improves growing conditions.