19 March 2012
Current state of biochar progress
The Latest Biochar Projects in the Developed World
The use of Biochar to act as a carbon sink is causing quite a stir among environmentalists and scientists alike. This ancient technology of burning organic matter then burying it in the ground to fertilize crops may have been around for over 3000 years in the Amazon Basin, but the research that shows that this method of fertilization will also absorb some of the carbon in the atmosphere means that this could be a really viable solution to the long term problem of carbon over production.
While the research is still at the very early stages of development, there are a huge number of companies and research units that are thoroughly investigating the potential of this farming by-product. Developing countries such as Kenya are already adopting this technology in a drive to help farmers become more sustainable, create extra income and minimise the amount of trees cut down for firewood.
Fortunately there is a dedicated team of researchers at the University of East Anglia who are carrying out a number of field trials and experiments to prove to the Environment Agency that the process is entirely safe and will have a positive impact, not only on the soil conditions where the Biochar is buried, but also a more wide reaching impact on the environment as a whole.
The UKs Big Biochar Experiment has also helped to provide data on the safety and environmental impact of Biochar usage by doing a large scale study of Biochar on allotment plots and gardens across the country. Preliminary results from the study have shown that there was a very significant increase in the yields of a variety of fruits and vegetables and as the biggest study of its kind in the UK, it is likely to be instrumental in changing attitudes about this new and innovative sustainable process.
In Germany too there is a strong community of researchers who making immense strides in Biochar technology. The University of Giessen’s Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment site is the longest running study in Europe and has made significant progress in looking at how Biochar can have a positive impact on farming methods and carbon re-absorption.
In other parts of the developed world the long term benefits of using Biochar as a sustainable fertilizer and carbon sink have also been more openly accepted. In the USA the University of Georgia has developed an extensive Bio Refining and Carbon Cycling program which is leading the way when it comes to realizing the potential of this innovative new technology.
Mixed reactions to Biochar Technology in the UK
In the developed world, however, there has been more of a mixed reaction to the use of organic waste as a fertilizer and way to absorb carbon. While some countries such as Australia have embraced the new technology whole heartedly and are investing large sums of money into research and development, other countries such as the UK have encountered problems with European Legislation. In some instances, Biochar is considered a waste product and there have been concerns about toxic chemicals leaching into the ground and worries that the process will inhibit plant growth. It may also have implications on local growers of organic foods or cottons to be used in organic mattresses. Their organic certification requires that such toxic chemicals are not present.Fortunately there is a dedicated team of researchers at the University of East Anglia who are carrying out a number of field trials and experiments to prove to the Environment Agency that the process is entirely safe and will have a positive impact, not only on the soil conditions where the Biochar is buried, but also a more wide reaching impact on the environment as a whole.
The UKs Big Biochar Experiment has also helped to provide data on the safety and environmental impact of Biochar usage by doing a large scale study of Biochar on allotment plots and gardens across the country. Preliminary results from the study have shown that there was a very significant increase in the yields of a variety of fruits and vegetables and as the biggest study of its kind in the UK, it is likely to be instrumental in changing attitudes about this new and innovative sustainable process.
Countries who are leading the way in Biochar research
The Greening Australia project has also undertaken considerable research into Biochar as an effective alternative to traditional fertilizers. They have secured funding from the Alcoa Foundation to help determine growth rates, yields of biomass and the production of energy through a diverse selection of field trials throughout the country. Again the studies are in the very early days of development but the long term aim of the project is to help restore equilibrium to Australia’s unique eco-systems and to help the native landscape be restored to its natural diversity.In Germany too there is a strong community of researchers who making immense strides in Biochar technology. The University of Giessen’s Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE) experiment site is the longest running study in Europe and has made significant progress in looking at how Biochar can have a positive impact on farming methods and carbon re-absorption.
In other parts of the developed world the long term benefits of using Biochar as a sustainable fertilizer and carbon sink have also been more openly accepted. In the USA the University of Georgia has developed an extensive Bio Refining and Carbon Cycling program which is leading the way when it comes to realizing the potential of this innovative new technology.
Comments (12)
Deniz
Deniz
Sam
Ishfaq
Gilbert
wachoon
Cobi
Fagda
Johanna
Час проведення 11 лютого-12 лютого 2012 р.Реєстрація та участь безкоштовні!
До участі у хакатоні запрошуються як спеціалісти хай левел так і початківці.
Програма заходу:
Saturday, 11th February
13.00– Check-in
13.30-14.00 Meeting with the participants, Hackathon rules idtcrepsion, hacking begins
14.00-16.00 – Introduction, reports concerning mobile technologiesnoon
– Lunchnight – Hackathon continues.
Sunday, 12th February
13.00 – Stop hacking, demo check-in
13.30 – 14.30 – Presentations begin
14.30-15.00 – Winners announced, awards Буду рада відповісти на додаткові питання!
З повагою, Ірина
Marcelly
Alayastour
Hello Jim is the Adam retort hibcoar kiln the right thing for the job ? I am happy to put you in touch with the guy who sells the plans. But to save you a lot of trouble perhaps we should correspond first. There are a lot of other hibcoar systems out ther
Charmaster Dolph