Biochar offers a unique opportunity for long-term soil improvement using locally sourced and appropriate materials. Produced from waste
(agricultural or forestry), it can be used alone or in combination with compost, manure, or agrochemicals to enhance local soil
conditions. Biochar’s resistance to decomposition also serves as a carbon sink, sequestering carbon in the soil long into the future.
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What does biochar do?
- Increases soil organic matter up to 15%
- Increases water holding capacity of soils
- Improves crop yields 10% on average
- Reduces soil acidity
- Increases cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils
- Creates hospitable environment for soil microbiota
- Prevents fertilizer runoff and leeching
- Sustainable production and management can sequester carbon in the soil for a maximum 12% reduction in emissions annually
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How is biochar made?
- Thermochemical decomposition of biomass in high heat, oxygen-limited environments that lead to carbonization of biomass –called pyrolysis
- Similar to charcoal in production and composition
- Utilizes agricultural and forestry residues with no commercial markets as feedstocks
- Up to 50% carbon retention in biochar compared to ~10% in open pit fires
- Gasses released during production can be captured to produce energy
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What can biochar be used for?
- Agricultural and horticultural applications
- Storm water management
- Industrial mercury removal
- Animal feed or litter additive
- Contaminated or compacted soil remediation
- Composting agent
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Application rates
- Application rates start at 5% but applications of 10% and greater are not uncommon
- Results possible in first year of application
- Results vary depending on soil type and nutrient availability prior to application
- Benefits continue for several years as biochar is a stable form of carbon, reducing per acre input cost
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Impacts of Biochar
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Improves soil quality
- Reduces pressure on water resources
- Improves plant productivity
- Creates a market for low quality biomass