About biochar

Biochar is a carbon product (as charcoal) produced from the organic waste in the process of pyrolysis.

Currently, a range of biochar-related research are being conducted worldwide. Moreover, a number of companies and non-profit organizations related to this topic have been established.

Research areas focused on biochar can generally be divided into three groups:

1. Soil and agriculture.
2. Climate change.
3. Renewable energy.

Biochar use in agriculture may lead to various positive outcomes, for instance:

1. Can increase the productivity of agricultural crops and improve soil quality (mainly degraded soils and with low productivity).
2. Can improve retention capacity of soils and improve water management.
3. May contribute to effective use of fertilizers.
4. May improve in long term  soil properties.
5. May contribute to reducing the greenhouse effect.

Depending on environmental conditions, the  biochar may improve the quality of degraded agricultural lands and increase yields. The use of biochar produced from organic waste can also contribute to the rational use of natural resources.

Biochar is not always a ’silver bullet solution’ and should be adapted to the local situation taking into account the environmental and socio-economic circumstances. Biochar properties vary depending on the type of organic waste used and the conditions of the pyrolysis process. The topic of biochar use in agriculture requires in-depth analysis conducted by an interdisciplinary team of researchers. OUR TEAM undertook this challenge.