Biochar is charcoal that is produced by heating biomass such as wood chips and straw at high heat and limited access to oxygen. The process is called pyrolysis. By adding biochar to the soil, the soil properties are improved in many areas.
Biochar has the following positive effects on the soil:
• Increases the total carbon content in the soil
• Increases water storage capacity in the soil
• Increases the content of biomass in the soil
• Raises soil pH
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the soil
Biochar is very difficult to decompose in the soil. If a certain amount has been added, this will remain constant in the soil for a long time. The organic material that is formed in the soil decomposes later. Biochar therefore contributes to increasing the total content of organic material, which we can also call carbon capture in the soil.
The combustion of biochar takes place in a biochar reactor. The process generates heat and emissions of various types of combustion gases. It is important to conserve the heat energy produced and control the combustion gases so that no emissions of gases that are harmful to the environment occur.
Biochar mixed with compost makes a good soil improver. This can be a good start to revitalizing the soil, for example.
In the Research Council-funded project RESTORE, we are looking into whether biochar can be a solution at the Zero Emission Farm at Mære. We are working together with SINTEF, NIBIO and NGI.
