2. What is biochar?
“Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal
that can be applied to agriculture land as part of
ergonomic or environmental management.”
Source: Sparkes, J and Stoutjesdijk, P 2011, Biochar: implications for
agricultural productivity, ABARES tehcnical report 11.6, Australian Bureau of
Agricultural and Resource Economices and Sciences, Canberra. pvii
3. How is biochar made?
Biochar is produced using waste products
(biomass) heated with little or no oxygen.
INSERT some sort of visual here……..
4. Why should I be interested in
biochar?
Potential advantages of biochar include:
• Turn local waste products into biochar
• Improved soil quality
• Improved crop yield
• Reduce the need for nitrogen fertilisers
• Decreased green house gas emissions
5. Opportunities for our
community
• Use local green, agricultural and animal waste as
a fuel source
• Start up our own biochar plant
• Sell biochar and secondary bio-fuels
• Use of biochar by our council on gardens and
parks
• Local farmers could reduce fertiliser use and
improve crop yield
• Research centre for biochar
6. Challenges
• High cost to purchase machinery
• High cost to produce biochar
• Availability of suitable fuel sources
• No national guidelines
• More research is needed into production,
application and long-term effects
7. Is there are future for biochar in
our community?
• Small scale trials
• Funding applications
• Seek research partnership
• Consultation with local residents, agricultural and
industrial community
