Biochar

Overview

Biochar is a name for Charcoal created by pyrolysis of Biomass.

This is a documentary about how to produce bio-char in Bangladesh with English subtitles; start at 1:28.

Production

It it created using a pyrolysis process, heating biomass in a low oxygen environment. Once the pyrolysis reaction has begun, it is self-sustaining, requiring no outside energy input. Byproducts of the process include syngas (H2 + CO), minor quantities of methane (CH4), tars, organic acids and excess heat.

Use of Biochar

Initially only used in agriculture, the range of uses for biochar now covers a wide range of different fields, giving this plant-based raw material the chance to make the most of its positive properties. Wherever biochar is specifically used even for industrial purposes, the carbon taken from the atmosphere in the form of CO2 can be stored for long periods or at least used to replace fossil carbon sources.

-> Find more information in the article "Uses of Biochar" from ithaka

Climate Change

Biochar offers a strong link between the three Rio conventions as it simultaneously addresses climate change, soil degradation and biodiversity.

-> Find more information in the article "Fire Accelerates / Biochar Decelerates the Carbon Cycle" on biochar.com

Further Information

• ithaka: Journal for ecology, winegrowing and climate farming - Uses of biochar
  
• Alternative Charcoal Tool (ACT)
  
• Bio-char Production from Agricultural Waste in Nan Province, Thailand
• For a comprehensive collection of articles on TLUD gasifiers, see Dr. Paul Anderson’s website, www.drtlud.com.
• For a forum for discussing TLUD gasifiers and other biomass stoves, see “Stoves” at bioenergylists.org.