Biochar is a porous charcoal-like substance produced from biomass that has benefits for agriculture and the environment. It can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, reducing CO2 levels, while enhancing soil quality when used as a soil amendment. Biochar increases plant growth and nutrient density, decreases fertilizer needs, and reduces fertilizer runoff into waterways. Small-scale production is suitable but larger operations could utilize bio-oil byproducts for energy and upgrade them into industrial and transportation fuels. Ongoing studies are testing biochar's effects on plant growth.

3. Why Biochar? The nature of and advantages for use of biochar are not understood by many. This is an attempt to clarify these. by Richard Stein UMass, Amherst and Alan Page Green Diamond Systems Belchertown, MA

5. What is biochar? Biochar is a form of carbon, somewhat like charcoal, which can be made by heating wood with limited air. It differs from coke in that it is very porous, having a very high surface area per unit weight. This surface can serve as a template for the growth of bacteria and fungi, and can actively adsorb fertilizer. For this reason, it is valuable as an aid to farming and lumbering.

6. What does biochar look like?

9. What good is biochar? For those interested in preparing bio-oil, the biochar, often about 35% of the yield, is an undesirable by-product. It is frequently burned to recover its energy content. We believe this is a waste of a valuable resource, having unique properties that are beneficial for agriculture. It makes more sense to obtain the energy otherwise.

17. Biochar had its start in early societies It’s use is described in the book, “1491” by Charles C. Mann on the pre-Columbus Americas. It was believed used to enrich the soil by thousands of years ago by the inhabitants of South America and it has been referred to as “The Black Gold of the Amazon”. It’s benefits appear to be long lasting, and the soil is still fertile today.

30. Essert Pyrolyzer

31. Page Pyrolyzer

33. Biochar Engineering Pyrolyzer

36. Agricultural Testing Studies are underway at the New England Small Farm Institute to study the effect of biochar on plant growth. This involves comparing growth without biochar to that with biochar alone and with combination with fertilizer and/or compost.