BIOCHAR
Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous material produced by organic biomass pyrolysis at high temperatures in an oxygen-limited environment. This process converts the biomass's carbon into a stable form that can be stored in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. Biochar is recognised for its ability to enhance soil health due to its high surface area, which allows it to retain water and nutrients and support microbial life.
Applications Across Industries:
Agriculture: Biochar is extensively used as a soil amendment, improving soil structure, increasing water retention, and enhancing nutrient availability. These benefits lead to healthier crops and higher yields. Additionally, biochar's ability to sequester carbon makes it valuable in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices.
Environmental Remediation: Due to its high adsorptive capacity, biochar is used in environmental remediation projects to filter contaminants from soil and water. It effectively binds heavy metals, pesticides, and other pollutants, making it a powerful agent in soil remediation and wastewater treatment processes.
Construction: In the construction industry, biochar is incorporated into building materials such as concrete. When added to concrete, biochar enhances strength, reduces the weight of the material, and improves its insulation properties. This contributes to more sustainable and resilient building practices.
Livestock: In the livestock sector, biochar is used as a feed additive for cattle and sheep. When added to feed, it improves milk production and carcass weight while also reducing methane emissions - a potent greenhouse gas. Biochar also enhances manure composting characteristics, leading to better nutrient recycling and reduced odour in livestock operations.
Decontamination: Biochar is highly effective as a decontamination agent, particularly in environmental remediation. It removes heavy metals like lead (Pb) from contaminated soils and water. Its high adsorption capacity makes it ideal for filtering pollutants and improving environmental quality.
Pharmaceuticals: Biochar is used in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture products, particularly for its detoxification properties. It can also act as a carrier for active ingredients in drug formulations, enhancing their effectiveness and safety.
Carbon Credits: Biochar earns high-quality tradable carbon sequestration credits, such as Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), as recognized by the Australia Carbon Register. These credits are awarded based on biochar’s verified ability to sequester CO2, providing an additional revenue stream and supporting global efforts to mitigate climate change.
