Written by: Bhuvanya SRIDHAR
Verified by: Krishnan SRINIVASAN
Introduction Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is critical for mitigating its effects. Carbon removal technologies, which extract CO2 from the atmosphere, are gaining attention. Among these, biochar—a material created through the pyrolysis of organic biomass—stands out for its dual benefits: carbon sequestration and soil enhancement.
What is biochar?
Biochar is a carbon-rich material similar to charcoal, produced through the thermal decomposition of organic biomass (e.g., agricultural waste, wood, or manure) under limited or no oxygen. This process is known as thermochemical conversion and includes methods such as:
Slow pyrolysis: Low temperature, longer residence time, resulting in higher biochar yield.
Fast pyrolysis: Higher temperature, short residence time, producing more bio-oil but less biochar.
Gasification: Partial combustion with limited oxygen, producing syngas and biochar.
Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC): Converts wet biomass into biochar using high pressure and moderate temperature.
Torrefaction: Heating biomass at low temperatures to produce a dry, brittle biochar-like material.
Flash Carbonization: Rapid pyrolysis with a very short processing time
During these processes, the carbon in the biomass becomes stable and "locked" into the biochar. When applied to soil, biochar can remain inert and stable for hundreds to thousands of years, preventing the carbon from re-entering the atmosphere as CO₂ or methane. This makes biochar a powerful tool for long-term carbon sequestration and a key solution in combating climate change.
How Biochar Contributes to Carbon Removal The carbon contained in biomass naturally decomposes over time, releasing CO2 or methane into the atmosphere. Pyrolyzing the biomass to create biochar interrupts this process, transforming organic carbon into a solid form that resists decomposition. By incorporating biochar into soil, we not only sequester carbon but also improve soil health.
Benefits of Biochar
Carbon Sequestration: Biochar can capture and store significant amounts of carbon. Each tonne of biochar can sequester roughly 2.5–3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Improved Soil Fertility: It enhances soil’s water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. This is especially valuable for degraded or nutrient-poor soils.
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Biochar reduces emissions of nitrous oxide and methane from soils, which are potent greenhouse gases.
Waste Management: Converting agricultural and organic waste into biochar reduces the environmental issues associated with open burning or landfill disposal.
Conclusion
Biochar represents a promising approach to carbon removal, blending environmental and agricultural benefits. Its ability to sequester carbon while enriching soils makes it a key player in the fight against climate change.
With extensive expertise in markets involving carbon projects, Mt.Stonegate is uniquely positioned to help you navigate the opportunities offered by biochar. With years of experience and a deep understanding of carbon removal solutions, we can guide you through the complexities of incorporating biochar into your sustainability strategy. For more information about biochar and how it can benefit your organization, don't hesitate to contact Mt.Stonegate. Let us help you make informed decisions and contribute to building a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
Reference:
1) Biochar-based nano-composites for the decontamination of wastewater: A review by Xiao-fei Tan, Yun-guo Liu., et.al
Comments