Learn More About Biochar Compost & Fertilizer
THE BENEFITS OF BIOCHAR
Biochar, a form of charcoal, is changing the world of farming as
well as bioengineering. The charcoal increases growth in crops, and
also absorbs and contains carbon dioxide.
The difference between biochar and other forms of charcoal is just
the temperature at which it is created. The biochar is created by
pyrolysing biomass, which entails heating plant waste to about 500
degrees Celsius in the absence of oxygen, creating smaller pores in
the coal. Other types of charcoal are created using twice as much
heat, creating larger pores in the material. During this process
renewable oils and gases are also produced which can be used as fuel
or fuel feed stocks.
The biochar is being used as a means of sequestering carbon and
reducing emissions in a process called “Carbon Sequestration”. The
smaller pores in biochar trap carbon better than other types of
charcoal. Thus, it has been estimated that biochar can store carbon
dioxide for up to 5,000 years. The use of biochar, as well as the
manufacturing process, is actually carbon negative and could prove
to be beneficial towards reducing global carbon emissions.
In addition to holding in carbon dioxide, biochar is an efficient
fertilizer for farming. Crops that have been tested using the
biochar as a fertilizer dramatically increased crop yields. Biochar
was originally used by Natives in the Amazon Basin approximately
7,000 years ago. While the Natives used this fertilizer due to the
apparent increase in crop growth, the carbon absorbing nature of
biochar was unknown until recently.
Biochar as a form of fertilizer has been utilized and tested in many
agricultural areas of the United States, including California.
Biochar might even be available to the public as a fertilizer for
home gardening in the near future. This possibility is still being
further researched before it is implemented. However, the bio-char
is reaching across the globe quickly and soon enough, may even be in
your backyard.
With crop growing abilities, carbon trapping power, and fuel being
made in the mean time, Biochar is benefiting everyone as a viable
part to helping combat climate change.