Biochar: A High Performance Organic Fertilizer Created From Biomass
Biochar, a charcoal-like, carbon-based material with roots in ancient civilizations, has scientists excited over the potential it holds for restoring depleted soils, improving food security, and aiding in climate change efforts when used as a soil amendment.
WHAT IS BIOCHAR?
Biochar is created through the thermal treatment of biomass in a high temperature, indirect-fired rotary kiln, a process referred to as pyrolysis, sometimes also called torrefaction, though torrefaction tends to refer specifically to the pyrolysis of wood biomass.
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BENEFITS OF BIOCHAR AS A SOIL AMENDMENT
Biochar boasts a porous surface structure and chemical properties that allow it to capture and hold minute particles. This ability lends itself to attracting and holding nutrients, moisture, and agrochemicals, as well as providing a place for micro-organisms and fungi to reside. Additionally, biochar is not as susceptible to degradation and breakdown, lasting longer in soil than other types of organic matter (terra preta soils have persisted for thousands of years), so its effects are long lasting.¹
According to the International Biochar Initiative, biochar can offer the following benefits to soil:
- Reduced nitrogen runoff
- Possible nitrous oxide emissions reduction
- Improved soil fertility through increased cation-exchange capacity
- Moderation of soil acidity
- Better water retention
- Increased number of beneficial soil microbes