Biochar properties

In the late 2000s, when the biochar euphoria was at its highest, the breakthrough from biochar research and development to large-scale implementation into farmers’ practice seemed imminent. Based on anecdotal evidence, European farmers have been using biochar quite successfully in animal farming, manure treatment and composting with subsequent use as a soil amendment mostly for horticulture. Biochar’s nutrient holding capacity (NHC) effect may be what is most important in understanding its benefits to subtropical and tropical farming and may well work in harmony with the above-mentioned conservation farming practices. The development of industrial processes with advanced process control and targeted biomass and mineral blending could lead to the design of high performance biochar-mineral fertiliser complexes that may partially replace traditional mineral fertilisers. Biochar is part of the emergence of the bio-economy, whereby a range of industries are increasingly using biological processes and organic carbon to efficiently replace fossil carbon sources.