Biochar

What is biochar

Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through pyrolysis, a process that converts biomass into a stable form by exposing it to high temperatures and low oxygen. During pyrolysis, volatile organic compounds such as Nitrates, Sulphates, Arsenic and chlorates are removed from the biomass, and the carbon molecules they were attached to bind to one another with strong carbon-carbon bonds (C=C). This process reduces the weight of the biomass by 70-80% and increases the surface area of the material by creating pore space. As a result, Biochar can hold onto 3 times its weight in water.

Biochars can have varying effects on the soil depending on factors such as the pyrolysis temperature, pH, feedstock, and quenching method used. Our activated biochar is made from sustainably sourced Australian Sugargum (E. cladocalyx) at high temperatures, and is distinct from many other biochars because it is made from a hardwood with a very high carbon content (88% C), rather than agricultural waste streams. The quenching method using rainwater also activates the biochar, increasing its pore space and adsorptive abilities compared to other biochars. Scientific literature suggests that high pyrolysis temperatures, hardwood feedstock, and water quenching make this activated biochar highly adsorptive, resistant to acidity, long-lasting in soil and facilitative of beneficial microbial populations.

We offer demonstrations, consulting, and contracting services for biochar production at a farm scale. Our team has developed the cheapest and most scalable method for making biochar in Australia. We can guide the best practices for biochar production, including equipment and materials selection, process optimization, and troubleshooting.

In addition to production, we offer advice on how and where to use biochar on the farm. Our team can help you determine the most appropriate locations and applications for biochar based on your specific farm conditions and goals.

Biochar is a powerful tool for regenerative farming and combatting Australia's harsh conditions. We have a portfolio of successful biochar projects we have completed on farms and can share them with you. 

If you are interested in purchasing biochar for your farm, landscaping project or garden, contact us for a quote.


our scalable process

Farm scale biochar?

Our team can help make timber cleanup cost-effective by incorporating biochar production into your system. We guide how to process your waste streams into a valuable soil carbon resource using biochar. Our method can help you reduce logistics costs associated with disposing of waste streams by turning them into valuable resources for your farm. Additionally, our process can produce the lowest-cost biochar on the market, helping you to maximize the benefits of incorporating biochar into your farming operations. Not only does this help with farm cleanup, but it also helps to increase soil carbon in the long run, which can improve soil health and fertility and increase crop yield.


Biochar combats Nitrogen and phosphorous runoff


The activated Biochar we produce has an approximate carbon content of 88%. Carbon and nitrogen have an interrelationship in the soil whereby carbon binds to nitrogen at roughly 20 to one ratio. Australian soils are carbon deficient, which leads to excess nitrogen runoff and increased inefficiencies in nitrogen usage. Whereby the nitrogen applied as fertiliser becomes unstable in the soil and volatilises quicker than plants can take it up. Soils low in carbon contribute to increased nitrogen pollution from gases and runoff.

Furthermore, the ample pore space in the activated biochar acts as a matrix for beneficial microbial populations that consume the nitric oxide acting to mineralise it into an available form for plants (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32063300/). When present in the soil, these microbial populations sequester additional carbon adding to the carbon content of the soil.

In recent years, relevant scholars have conducted significant research on biochar's biophysical properties to improve soil's physical and chemical properties and promote the adsorption and transformation of nitrogen and phosphorus in soil. 

Effects of biochar on soil leaching of nitrogen and phosphorus

Zhuorui et al. [69] and other results showed that the addition of biochar in the soil could effectively reduce the leaching of TN and TP, the addition amount is 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% compared with the control without biochar, TN The leaching loss was significantly reduced by 17.6%, 24.7%, 30.6% and 37.7%, respectively (P<0.05), and the leaching loss of TP was significantly reduced by 26.0%, 12.0%, 15.7% and 19.7%, respectively (P<0.05); The optimum amount of biochar added to soil TN and TP leaching was 8% and 2%, respectively. The application of biochar could effectively reduce the risk of leaching of TN and TP in the soil, and control nitrogen and phosphorus in vegetable soil. Jihui et al.[70]have shown that the addition of the best-modified carbon in the soil can delay and reduce the leaching of nitrate nitrogen and available phosphorus. The addition amount is 2.5%, 5% and 10% with no added matter. Compared with the control[70], the leaching loss of nitrate nitrogen was significantly reduced by 20%, 43% and 59%, respectively (P < 0.05), and the leaching loss of available phosphorus was significantly reduced by 45%, 59% and 75%, respectively (P < 0.05), indicating that the addition of modified biochar in the soil can effectively reduce the risk of leaching of soil nitrate-nitrogen and available phosphorus.Yi et al. [71]have shown that the application of charcoal can significantly inhibit nitrogen leaching by 4%, 8% of biochar application decreased soil nitrogen leaching by 20.7% and 30%, respectively. 


(L Q Huang et al 2020 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci.424 012015)


Sales


We are proud to offer high-quality biochar for sale by cubic meter. Our biochar is from sustainably sourced hardwood, processed at high temperatures and quenched with rainwater to increase its pore space and adsorption abilities.

Our biochar improves soil health, water retention, fertility, and crop yield. Biochar has a wide range of applications, including:



We have a wide range of biochar products available to suit any need, and we are always happy to provide customized solutions for your farm. Our biochar is the best quality in the market, and we are confident that you will be satisfied with the results of using our biochar on your farm.

We offer competitive pricing and bulk discounts for large orders. Please get in touch with us for a quote or to place an order. We would be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the right product for your needs.

Thank you for choosing our biochar! We look forward to working with you to improve your farm's soil and productivity.



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