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{{topic header| default.png | Biochar }}
{{topic header| Biochar2.jpg | Biochar }}


{{merge from|Biochar Technology}}
{{merge from|Biochar Technology}}


'''Biochar''' is a name for [[charcoal]] (pyrolized plant matter), especially in usage as soil amendment. It represents a scalable low-tech strategy for carbon sequestration in the soil.


'''Biochar''' is a name for [[charcoal]] when it is used for particular purposes, especially as a soil amendment.  
Charcoal has many effects on soil fertility, although it is not much of a nutrient in itself. Some of the world's most productive soils (e.g. Canadian prairies, Russian [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernozem Chernozem] / or "black earth") are very rich in organic carbon. This is now thought to be pyrogenic in origin, likely originating from prairie or forest fires. This carbon is often thousands of years old, demonstrating its stability in soil.


[[Image:Biochar2.jpg]]
Besides improving agricultural productivity, charcoal in the soil may serve as a long-term carbon sink, trapping elements that would otherwise contribute to greenhouse climate effects.  For more extensive background on Biochar, please consult the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar Wikipedia entry on biochar].


According to the [http://www.biochar-international.org/aboutbiochar.html International Biochar Initiative]: 


''Biochar is a fine-grained charcoal high in organic carbon and largely resistant to decomposition. It is produced from pyrolysis of plant and waste feedstocks. As a soil amendment, biochar creates a recalcitrant soil carbon pool that is carbon-negative, serving as a net withdrawal of atmospheric carbon dioxide stored in highly recalcitrant soil carbon stocks. The enhanced nutrient retention capacity of biochar-amended soil not only reduces the total fertilizer requirements but also the climate and environmental impact of croplands. Char-amended soils have shown 50 - 80 percent reductions in nitrous oxide emissions and reduced runoff of phosphorus into surface waters and leaching of nitrogen into groundwater. As a soil amendment, biochar significantly increases the efficiency of and reduces the need for traditional chemical fertilizers, while greatly enhancing crop yields. Renewable oils and gases co-produced in the pyrolysis process can be used as fuel or fuel feedstocks. Biochar thus offers promise for its soil productivity and climate benefits.''
=== The Biochar Economy ===
[[Image:2959038953 31a102dc5d.jpg|thumb|right|Image from Flickr user '''visionshare''' by CC license]]
Agricultural charcoal production and interment is a key cyclical ingredient in the regeneration of human habitats, with potential economic significance.


Some of the world's most productive soils (e.g. Canadian prairies, Russian [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernozem Chernozem] / or "black earth") are very rich in organic carbon. This is now thought to be pyrogenic in origin, likely originating from prairie or forest fires. This carbon is often thousands of years old, demonstrating its stability in soil. For more extensive background on Biochar, please consult the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar Wikipedia entry on biochar].
==== List of uses of biochar====
*Inexpensive soil amelioration for degraded land (i.e. biochar as a liming agent)
*Need less land = lower startup costs for a Sustainable Village
*Increased biomass productivity
*Efficient use of biomass waste for energy generation
*Reduced need for fertilizer input (e.g. manure)
*Combine biochar with vermicompost to make superb fertilizer.  
*Pyrolysis gas can be used for energy and as a heat source
*Bio-oil and tars are also by-products of pyrolysis, can be turned into biodiesel
*Add charcoal to compost heap to speed up composting (probably works via enhanced microbial activity)
*Biochar for sale as a source of income for an emerging community


{{toc right}}
===Biochar as a method of carbon sequestration===
===Biochar as a method of carbon sequestration===
The [[earth]] absorbs around 18 times the amount of [[carbon]] emitted by [[humans]] each year.{{fact}}{{w|Carbon cycle}} However, about the same amount (one figure given is 99.9%) of this carbon is released to the atmosphere through [[decomposition]]. This cycle can be closed by a process known as [[pyrolysis]], in which biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen, creating charcoal and locking carbon in the form of biochar.{{w|Biochar}}  
The [[earth]] absorbs around 18 times the amount of [[carbon]] emitted by [[humans]] each year.{{fact}}{{w|Carbon cycle}} However, about the same amount (one figure given is 99.9%) of this carbon is released to the atmosphere through [[decomposition]]. This cycle can be closed by a process known as [[pyrolysis]], in which biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen, creating charcoal and locking carbon in the form of biochar.{{w|Biochar}}  
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Biochar is not a solution on its own, but it appears to be an important element in comprehensive solution. ''See [[Measures to stop global warming]].''
Biochar is not a solution on its own, but it appears to be an important element in comprehensive solution. ''See [[Measures to stop global warming]].''


=== The Biochar Economy ===
=== Biochar Technology ===
[[Image:2959038953 31a102dc5d.jpg]]
(for merged content from [[Biochar Technology]] page)
 
*Combine with solar thermal heat source to make a ''solar pyrolysis unit'' for charcoal production


(image from Flickr user '''visionshare''' by CC license)
=== Biochar Reactors ===


==== List of uses of biochar====
Several small-scale units have been devised for baking charcoal, many with simple common materials. Charcoal making ([[pyrolisis]]) dates back thousands of years in human history, traditionally practiced via earthen pits and mounds. Today, steel drums of different sizes are most commonly utilized due to portability, airflow control options, heat resistance, and availability. See articles below for some examples, and a page on [[Simple Biochar Kilns]].
*Inexpensive soil amelioration for degraded land (i.e. biochar as a liming agent)
*Need less land = lower startup costs for a Sustainable Village
*Increased biomass productivity
*Efficient use of biomass waste for energy generation
*Reduced need for fertilizer input (e.g. manure)
*Combine biochar with vermicompost to make superb fertilizer.  
*Pyrolysis gas can be used for energy and as a heat source
*Bio-oil and tars are also by-products of pyrolysis, can be turned into biodiesel
*Add charcoal to compost heap to speed up composting (probably works via enhanced microbial activity)
*Biochar for sale as a source of income for an emerging community
*Combine with solar thermal heat source to make a ''solar pyrolysis unit'' for charcoal production


=== Suitable feedstocks ===
==== Suitable feedstocks ====
A variety of feedstocks can be used. Since these often constitute agricultural residues in [[rural communities]], a form of waste is turned into an asset. Possible feedstocks include:  
A variety of feedstocks can be used. Since these often constitute agricultural residues in [[rural communities]], a form of waste is turned into an asset. Possible feedstocks include:  


*'''agricultural leftovers:''' straw, rice hulls, corn stalks, chicken/cattle poop
*'''agricultural leftovers:''' straw, rice hulls, corn stalks, chicken/cattle poop
*'''Fast-growing biomass:''' bamboo, switchgrass, miscanthus,  
*'''Fast-growing biomass:''' bamboo, switchgrass, miscanthus,  
*'''Wood scrap/salvage:''' unused or recovered wood byproducts
*'''Other:''' leaf litter, grasses, macroalgae, bones (high P content),   
*'''Other:''' leaf litter, grasses, macroalgae, bones (high P content),   


=== Criticism ===
==== Terra preta ====
Critics are concerned that large-scale biochar production may increase deforestation. However, a variety of biomass feedstocks other than wood can be used (see above). Old-growth forest is likely not a good feedstock because of extensive pre-processing that would be required. Small biomass pieces such as pellets or cherry pits make excellent feedstock.  
[[Terra preta]] is a type of very dark, fertile anthropogenic soil found in the Amazon Basin. It is basically a mixture of charcoal, bone, and manure. It is very stable and remains in the soil for thousands of years.


== Terra preta ==
== Criticism ==
[[Terra preta]] is a type of very dark, fertile anthropogenic soil found in the Amazon Basin. It is basically a mixture of charcoal, bone, and manure. It is very stable and remains in the soil for thousands of years.
Critics are concerned that large scale biochar production may increase deforestation and pollution levels. However, a variety of biomass feedstocks other than wood can be used (see above). Old-growth forest is likely not a good feedstock because of extensive pre-processing that would be required. Small biomass pieces such as pellets or cherry pits make excellent feedstock. Air pollution from biochar production can be greatly reduced and eliminated through proper production system design.


== External links ==
== External links ==
* Wikipedia page on Biochar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar]
* Gardening with Biochar FAQ [http://biochar.pbwiki.com/]
* Gardening with Biochar FAQ [http://biochar.pbwiki.com/]
* BioEnergy Lists: Terra Preta (Biochar) [http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/]
* BioEnergy Lists: Terra Preta (Biochar) [http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org/]
* International Biochar Initiative (IBI) [http://www.biochar-international.org/]
* International Biochar Initiative (IBI) [http://www.biochar-international.org/]
* Biochar Fund [http://biocharfund.org]
* Biochar Fund [http://biocharfund.org]
* Folke Günther's "the simplest of the simple" [http://www.holon.se/folke/carbon/simplechar/simplechar.shtml two-barrel charcoal retort]
* Biochar Industries Community Biochar Project[http://www.biocharproject.org/]
* Biochar Industries Community Biochar Project[http://www.biocharproject.org/]


== Academia in biochar research ==
== Academic Research ==


* Lehmann, J., Gaunt, J., and Rondon, M..Bio-char and adaptation strategies for global change. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change (2006). 11: 403-427. [http://www.biochar.info/52/downloads/MitAdaptStratGlobChange_Lehmann_2006.pdf]
* Lehmann, J., Gaunt, J., and Rondon, M..Bio-char and adaptation strategies for global change. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change (2006). 11: 403-427. [http://www.biochar.info/52/downloads/MitAdaptStratGlobChange_Lehmann_2006.pdf]

Revision as of 05:02, 25 January 2015

Biochar is a name for charcoal (pyrolized plant matter), especially in usage as soil amendment. It represents a scalable low-tech strategy for carbon sequestration in the soil.

Charcoal has many effects on soil fertility, although it is not much of a nutrient in itself. Some of the world's most productive soils (e.g. Canadian prairies, Russian Chernozem / or "black earth") are very rich in organic carbon. This is now thought to be pyrogenic in origin, likely originating from prairie or forest fires. This carbon is often thousands of years old, demonstrating its stability in soil.

Besides improving agricultural productivity, charcoal in the soil may serve as a long-term carbon sink, trapping elements that would otherwise contribute to greenhouse climate effects. For more extensive background on Biochar, please consult the Wikipedia entry on biochar.


The Biochar Economy

Image from Flickr user visionshare by CC license

Agricultural charcoal production and interment is a key cyclical ingredient in the regeneration of human habitats, with potential economic significance.

List of uses of biochar

  • Inexpensive soil amelioration for degraded land (i.e. biochar as a liming agent)
  • Need less land = lower startup costs for a Sustainable Village
  • Increased biomass productivity
  • Efficient use of biomass waste for energy generation
  • Reduced need for fertilizer input (e.g. manure)
  • Combine biochar with vermicompost to make superb fertilizer.
  • Pyrolysis gas can be used for energy and as a heat source
  • Bio-oil and tars are also by-products of pyrolysis, can be turned into biodiesel
  • Add charcoal to compost heap to speed up composting (probably works via enhanced microbial activity)
  • Biochar for sale as a source of income for an emerging community

Biochar as a method of carbon sequestration

The earth absorbs around 18 times the amount of carbon emitted by humans each year.[verification needed]W However, about the same amount (one figure given is 99.9%) of this carbon is released to the atmosphere through decomposition. This cycle can be closed by a process known as pyrolysis, in which biomass is heated in the absence of oxygen, creating charcoal and locking carbon in the form of biochar.W

Locking carbon away from the atmosphere and the carbon cycle described is referred to as carbon sequestration. Biochar can potentially lock away carbon carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years. If a real commitment were made, massive reductions in atmospheric carbon could be achieved - locking down carbon emissions and increasing the wealth of our soils. In conjunction with other geoengineering projects, biochar may truly hold the key to saving our earth from climate catastrophe.

Biochar is also an effective and ecologically friendly soil amendment. It may also have applications in energy production[verification needed] and as a dietary supplement for animals.

Its production was practiced by pre-Columbian Amazonian natives ("terra preta"), and natural processes appear to have created a similar affect in other parts of the world, creating rich soils.

Biochar is not a solution on its own, but it appears to be an important element in comprehensive solution. See Measures to stop global warming.

Biochar Technology

(for merged content from Biochar Technology page)

  • Combine with solar thermal heat source to make a solar pyrolysis unit for charcoal production

Biochar Reactors

Several small-scale units have been devised for baking charcoal, many with simple common materials. Charcoal making (pyrolisis) dates back thousands of years in human history, traditionally practiced via earthen pits and mounds. Today, steel drums of different sizes are most commonly utilized due to portability, airflow control options, heat resistance, and availability. See articles below for some examples, and a page on Simple Biochar Kilns.

Suitable feedstocks

A variety of feedstocks can be used. Since these often constitute agricultural residues in rural communities, a form of waste is turned into an asset. Possible feedstocks include:

  • agricultural leftovers: straw, rice hulls, corn stalks, chicken/cattle poop
  • Fast-growing biomass: bamboo, switchgrass, miscanthus,
  • Wood scrap/salvage: unused or recovered wood byproducts
  • Other: leaf litter, grasses, macroalgae, bones (high P content),

Terra preta

Terra preta is a type of very dark, fertile anthropogenic soil found in the Amazon Basin. It is basically a mixture of charcoal, bone, and manure. It is very stable and remains in the soil for thousands of years.

Criticism

Critics are concerned that large scale biochar production may increase deforestation and pollution levels. However, a variety of biomass feedstocks other than wood can be used (see above). Old-growth forest is likely not a good feedstock because of extensive pre-processing that would be required. Small biomass pieces such as pellets or cherry pits make excellent feedstock. Air pollution from biochar production can be greatly reduced and eliminated through proper production system design.

External links

  • Gardening with Biochar FAQ [1]
  • BioEnergy Lists: Terra Preta (Biochar) [2]
  • International Biochar Initiative (IBI) [3]
  • Biochar Fund [4]
  • Biochar Industries Community Biochar Project[5]

Academic Research

  • Lehmann, J., Gaunt, J., and Rondon, M..Bio-char and adaptation strategies for global change. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change (2006). 11: 403-427. [6]

Other Research:

  • Cornell University Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences [7]
  • Biochar Farms [8]
  • International Biochar Initiative [9]


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