Biochar is a solid material made from pyrolysis of biomass that can be added to soils. It improves soil fertility and quality by holding carbon long-term, boosting food security, and reducing emissions. Biochar also benefits agriculture by improving productivity and being a valuable resource, while research is still needed on its effects in different environments and systems. Overall, biochar has significant environmental and agricultural benefits when properly deployed.

1. BIOCHAR

2. A solid material derived from the
carbonisation of biomass. It is a fine-
grained charcoal made by pyrolysis.
WHAT IS
BIOCHAR?

4. HOW VALUABLE IS BIOCHAR?
Biochar is a powerfully simple tool to
fight global warming. Transfers
agricultural waste into a soil enhancer
that can hold carbon, boost food
security, and discourage deforestation.
(Biochar International 2012)

5. • Can be added to soils to improve fertility
• Reduce emissions from biomass.
• Improves water quality and quantity
Soils

6. It is measurable and verifiable in a
characterisation scheme.
(Biochar International 2012)
Measurable & Verifiable

7. • Help improve agricultural productivity
• Valuable resource
• Value-added product for urban and rural
• agriculture and forest communities
• Reduces forest fires
• Creates jobs
(Sustainable, Obtainable Solutions 2009)
Agriculture

8. Biochar is considered by many
scientists to be the "black gold" for
agriculture (Ansari, p. 1 of 1 2009)
Agriculture
(Continued)

9. HARMFULNESS
• Not enough research proves biochar will
be valuable to Australian soils (The Bio Energy
Website 2012).
• Feedstock availability
• Biochar handling
• Biochar system deployment
(Bracmort, KS 2009)

10. ETHICS
Environmental benefits with no disruption
to the Murrumbidgee community
(Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc 2012).

11. In Summary……..
• Biochar reduces emission gases
• Numerous benefits to soils
• Measurable and verifiable
• Improves agricultural productivity
• Research gaps are still evident
• Holds strong ethics to it’s people.

12. Thank you