The promise of biochar

 

Biochar

Biochar has multiple uses

Biochar is carbonized plant material made through thermal treatment in the absence of oxygen. The volatile gases are captured and combusted to fuel the pyrolysis, generate power and heat, while the recalcitrant and carbon rich biochar remains. The chemical structure ensures that biochar is both biologically and chemically very stable.

Biochar is good for both the soil and the climate: because of its porous composition, biochar is able to retain water, and nutrients. Biochar also favors a beneficial microbial population and is due to its stability an extremely effective carbon sink that sequesters carbon for centuries with very little degradation.

Biochar from BC300, woodchip based Electron microscopi of biochar,
wheatstraw based (Source: Bioforsk)