What is Biochar?

The definition of biochar is a type of charcoal which is produced from organic and forestry wastes. This is then “burnt” in a specialist way (pyrolysis). Within the pyrolysis process, very few contaminating fumes are emitted, and the feedstocks themselves are converted into a stable form of carbon. It is known by many names including black gold, black soil, amazon soil amongst others.

What is it used for?

The inert properties make it ideal to be used as a soil improver. It is made of a sustainable organic material and can be used to improve terra preta-style soils. The residual organic material improves soil quality through nutrient retention, reducing soil degradation ,reducing water use through better water retention.

The production process is called pyrolysis. This means that organic feedstocks are heated while being deprived of oxygen generally at a temperature of between 300°C and 700°C. Purity wise the resulting biochar does not degrade so improves soils for millennia . The final biochar is black in colour, light weight and finely grained, and possesses large surface areas. Making biochar combines unstable carbon in decaying plants into a stable form of carbon.

Biochar production does however emit some greenhouse gases, but the pyrolysis process used in the production of our woody feedstocks is UK based and is a closed loop system. The resulting syngas is turned into renewable clean energy to use on the production site but also enabling some electricity to be sent to the national grid.

The life cycle explained

The production process used in the making biochar is called pyrolysis, meaning that organic feedstocks are heated while being deprived of oxygen generally at a temperature of between 300°C and 700°C. Purity wise it does not degrade so improves soils for millennia . The final biochar is black in colour, light weight and finely grained, and possesses large surface areas, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Making biochar combines unstable carbon in decaying plants into a stable form of carbon.

Unfortunately the production does emit some greenhouse gases, however the pyrolysis process used in the pyrolysis of our woody feedstock is UK based and is a closed loop system, the syngas is turned into renewable clean energy to use on the production site but also enabling some electricity to be sent to the national grid.

What is biochar and what are its benefits?

• The end result is a carbon rich substance which has been credited by some experts with restoring soils, improves plant health, soil structure.
• Biochar retains around 50% of the carbon present in the original biomass and significantly slows the decomposition rate so it can last for centuries or even millennia.
• Biochar is relatively lightweight dependant on the feedstock used, our biochar is a combination of different woody feedstocks and has a bulk density of around 450g/l.
• It becomes a porous feedstock which and can act as the sponge and acts as a refuge for beneficial soil microbes that help improve soil fertility in terra preta soils.
• It can be used as a medium to store moisture and aid water retention in the soil and could be considered as a solution to soil fertility issues.
• While there are some carbon emissions produced through the production process, it is significantly less than if the feedstock was burnt in an open source.

Our video explains why biochar should be used in soil,

So what are the disadvantages?

Although there are many advantages to using biochar application in soil there are some disadvantages as well.

• Biochar itself is quite dusty so care should be taken when using it.
• If plain biochar is used in soil it does adsorb nutrients for a period of time which could cause a deficiency of nutrients. However using our enriched products negates this problem as we have added one of our special mixes of natural biology to our products already.
• The high pH (alkalinity) of some soils will not tolerate biochar as some crops only tolerate a certain range of soil pH.
• The feedstocks used for the production of biochar is really important, as some types of biochar can act as a source of contaminants such as heavy metals, PAH’s (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons).

The Environmental Benefits of biochar

Researchers have suggested that making biochar with an organic material via the pyrolysis process has practical benefits for soil. Biochar is also a source of clean renewable energy which is generated as a bi-product of the pyrolysis process, and this could be used as an alternative source of energy.

Why is there more of an interest in biochar now?

There has been growing interest in biochar across agricultural and soil systems. Biochar systems are especially relevant in developing countries and could be utilised to address challenges in food production exacerbated by global warming.

To speak to use further about all your biochar requirements, either contact us through our website or telephone us on 0117 2440032..