How biochar is being used to improve our environment
Biochar is a type of charcoal that is made from biomass through a process of pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the thermochemical decomposition of organic matter into combustible gases and char. The word “bio” in biochar refers to the biological origin of the material. The production of biochar turns woody waste into a stable, valuable soil amendment. When used in agricultural settings as part of a system including compost and cover crops, biochar can increase crop yields while decreasing the need for fertilisers and irrigation water. Additionally, it can help improve nutrient use in agricultural soils. This is achieved by two mechanisms: first by reducing manure’s N₂O emissions when mixed with biochar prior to being applied to fields; and second by retaining ammonium in soils longer so it doesn’t volatilize into the atmosphere as N₂O. Biochar can also improve nutrient use in agricultural soils. The high surface area of activated carbon also sequesters other pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals. In one experiment , rice grown in water polluted with lead and cadmium absorbed less of those metals when grown in soil amended with biochar. Researchers believe this was due to adsorption onto the surface of the charcoal itself as well as precipitation within micropores in the presence of phosphate ions . Adding biochar to contaminated soils has also been shown to recapture spilled oil , presumably due to adsorption onto the large surface area of activated carbon particles. Biochar presents an incredible opportunity for improving agricultural productivity and water quality, and will play an important role across many soil and growing systems. The use of biochar across soil and growing systems has been thoroughly researched for many years; individuals, businesses and research organisations have been busy developing biochar products to meet the demands of agriculture, horticulture, reforestation and carbon markets.
Using Biochar for commercial applications
Industry and academia have been adapting and formatting biochar to a be applied to a huge variety of soils, crops, agroforestry, substrates applications for years. As such biochar is most generally viewed as soil improvement option which improves soil health by retaining nutrients and water. More recently however new products are being developed for green infrastructure, water quality and construction materials. The physical, chemical and biological properties of biochar make it a versatile material which can be used in a variety of applications. Increased production and the development of new technologies and new analytical tools have led to new markets and new uses. To discuss your requirements of UK sourced biochar, contact our sales team
