Biochar Resource Hub
The Basics of Biochar
Biochar is also a valuable natural climate solution. Plants take in (sequester) carbon while growing. When plants die and start to decompose, they release this carbon back into the environment. Biochar can, instead, store this carbon. Biochar offers the additional dual benefits of soil enhancement, making it a powerhouse for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation.
Biochar is a form of charcoal created from waste biomass in a process called pyrolysis. The biochar that results has a very porous structure made from stable carbon. When composted and applied in soils, the pores in the biochar act like a sponge and can store water, nutrients, and more, while providing a home for microbes and other beneficial organisms. Biochar ensures that these elements are available to plants, and can help reduce water, fertilizer, and other farm inputs.
The Details of Biochar
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The Benefits of Biochar
Carbon Sequestration
Biochar is a form of stable carbon that can be used to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When applied to agricultural lands or forests, it helps to mitigate climate change by storing carbon in the soil for an extended period.
Waste Management
Biochar can be produced from various organic waste materials, such as agricultural residues, wood chips, or biomass from industries. By converting these waste materials into biochar through pyrolysis, it provides a sustainable waste management solution and reduces the release of greenhouse gases.
Energy Production
While biochar primarily focuses on carbon sequestration and soil improvement, the pyrolysis process that produces biochar also generates bioenergy in the form of syngas and bio-oil. These can be used for heat and power generation.