What is biochar?
Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material created by heating organic matter, such as agricultural waste, wood chips, or tree residues, in a low-oxygen environment through a process known as pyrolysis.
It is used primarily as a soil amendment to improve soil health, enhance crop yields, and sequester carbon in the ground, making it a powerful tool in sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation.
How is Biochar Manufactured?
The process of producing biochar involves the thermal decomposition of organic materials in the absence or low presence of oxygen.
Here’s an overview of the steps involved in biochar production:
Raw Material Collection
Organic waste materials such as wood chips, tree trimmings, agricultural residues, or manure are collected. At Moobio, we source materials from local farmers and seafarms, making use of underutilized resources.
Pyrolysis
The collected organic matter is heated to high temperatures (typically between 400°C and 700°C) in a controlled, oxygen-limited environment. This process, known as pyrolysis, causes the material to thermally decompose, releasing gases and leaving behind a solid, carbon-rich residue—biochar.
Gas Collection
During pyrolysis, gases such as methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide are released. These gases can be captured and used as an energy source, often for powering the pyrolysis process itself, making biochar production energy-efficient.
Cooling and Storage
Once the pyrolysis process is complete, the biochar is cooled and stored. It can then be applied directly to soil or used in other applications, such as filtration systems or water treatment.
How Can Biochar Be Used?
Biochar has a wide range of applications, with its primary use being in agriculture and environmental management.
Biochar uses
Soil Amendment
Biochar is most commonly used to improve soil structure, fertility, and water retention. When added to soil, it helps increase nutrient availability, enhance microbial activity, and improve plant growth. Biochar also helps retain water, making it particularly valuable in drought-prone regions.
Carbon Sequestration
Biochar is highly stable and can lock carbon into the soil for hundreds to thousands of years, effectively removing carbon from the atmosphere. This makes biochar an important tool in combating climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the air.
Waste Management
Biochar production offers an environmentally friendly way to manage organic waste. By converting waste materials into biochar, we reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and turn it into a valuable resource.
Water Filtration and Purification
Biochar’s porous structure makes it an excellent natural filter for removing contaminants from water. It is increasingly being used in water treatment systems to filter pollutants and improve water quality.
Animal Farming
Biochar can also be added to animal feed or bedding to reduce odors, improve digestion in livestock, and enhance manure management.
Why is biochar important?
Biochar is a versatile, eco-friendly product that contributes to both sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. By improving soil health and fertility, biochar helps farmers increase crop yields while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Its ability to sequester carbon makes it an important tool in the fight against climate change, providing a long-term solution for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
At Moobio, we produce biochar from locally sourced organic materials, such as tree waste and agricultural residues. By turning these materials into biochar, we not only reduce waste but also offer farmers and industries a valuable, sustainable product that promotes soil health and supports climate resilience.