Biochar for sustainable soil, agriculture and energy systems

Biochar is a black, carbon-rich, material produced by thermally treating biomass materials in zero- or limited- oxygen conditions using a process called pyrolysis. When applied to land, biochar is not only a carbon sink, but can act as a soil improver by increasing the water and nutrient- holding capacity of the soil. It may also be effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the soil. With the correct calibration, therefore, biochar application could offer considerable benefits in terms of mitigating climate change, improving food security and reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers, all of which could have considerable environmental and economic advantage.