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Biochar

A long lasting carbon-rich soil amendment

What is biochar?

A charcoal-like product made from sustainably sourced organic materials, either low-value or waste materials, for use in agricultural and environmental applications. It is one of the most readily available tools for soil, agronomic, climate, and ecosystem benefits. It has significant potential to improve soil health, aid in waste management, provide clean energy, and for climate mitigation and adaptation. It is not a new technology, but rather a modern tool sparked by research on the Terra Preta de Indio soils of the Amazon.

Featured Video

Biochar Basics

  • Biochar: an introduction to a sustainable soil amendment: Deborah Aller, PhD, Agricultural Stewardship Specialist, CCE – Suffolk
  • Introduction to the biochar community: Tom Miles, Executive Director – USBI (United States Biochar Initiative)
  • Biochar for climate mitigation: withdrawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequestering it in soil:  Johannes Lehmann, PhD, Professor – Cornell University
Play Biochar Basics Overview

Biochar

Uses & Applications

Biochar has several unique chemical and physical properties that make it very useful for numerous applications. There are many expanding markets for biochar, including:

  • Agriculture and horticulture industries
  • Forest and rangeland management
  • Mine land reclamation
  • Urban environments (woodlands & golf courses)
  • Gardening
  • Industrial applications
  • Water and wastewater treatment
  • Building materials
Hands hold biochar

Biochar Impacts on the Soil Environment

In agriculture the application of biochar results in both direct and indirect impacts to the soil environment.

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