Have you heard of biochar? This solid charcoal-like material is made by heating organic materials (biomass) in a low oxygen environment, through a process called pyrolysis.
The ‘feedstock’ organic materials used to make biochar can include agricultural wastes (crop residues, manures, and food wastes), woody wastes, and biosolids or organic industrial wastes.
There is potential to use biochar in the vegetable industry as both a soil amendment and to increase carbon sequestration to soil. It can be used to build soil organic carbon, improve nutrient and water retention, and improve soil structure.
In this new fact sheet, the Soil Wealth ICP project explored how biochar can be used in vegetable production and the key considerations for growers.
For more information:
AUSVEG
www.ausveg.com.au