International Biochar Initiative (English)
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2010-11-20 This guide provides an overview of current biochar knowledge pertinent to its application to soil, and gives ideas for using biochar in a variety of soil management systems. Very little data is currently available on practical aspects of working with biochar, including labor requirements,...
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2009-04-20 Biochar has been shown to benefit crop growth and yield, and is a promising material for use in agriculture. However, as is the case for any soil amendment, its efficacy must be shown in a variety of cropping systems, and at this time (2009) optimal application rates have yet to be determined....
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2010-06-20 This document was produced to assist in the development and testing of small pyrolysis plants and provides advice on equipment design and testing as well as the specification and testing of the biochar product. The International Biochar Initiative encourages innovation and development of biochar...
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2012-06-20 This paper outlines the specific characteristics of poultry litter (PL) biochar based on existing research and literature, a limited number of demonstration projects in the US, and the potential market opportunities for this type of biochar. It highlights the general characteristics of PL...
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2013-06-20 The need to dispose of human-generated waste streams is growing in line with the expansion of urban population centers. This is particularly true for the byproducts of wastewater treatment. According to the US EPA, there are over 7 million dry tons of biosolids (stabilized sewage sludge) produced...
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2013-05-20 Biochar is a solid material obtained from the thermochemical conversion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment. Biochar can be used as a product itself or as an ingredient within a blended product, with a range of applications as an agent for soil improvement, improved resource use...
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2015-02-20 Marta Camps, Massey University; and Thayer Tomlinson, International Biochar Initiative February 2015 Both compost and biochar production are methods to utilize and recycle organic wastes. This paper provides information on the use of biochar in composting and highlights the potential benefits,...
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2012-04-20 The International Biochar Initiative (IBI) is a non-governmental organization (ngo) that promotes the development of biochar systems that follow Cradle-to-Cradle sustainability guidelines. As a new industry, it is important that systems for biochar production and use be analyzed and monitored for...
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Biochar has been shown to be beneficial for growing crops. For farmers and gardeners, biochar provides a unique opportunity to improve soil fertility for the long term using locally available materials. Used alone, or in combinations, compost, manure, and/or synthetic fertilizers are added at...
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Biochar is mostly composed of highly stable forms of black carbon and it can be used as a tool for carbon sequestration in soil. There is also interest in using biochar to create permanent landscape art, including as part of projects (such as 350.org) aimed at raising public awareness about...
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Biochar should always be tested for safety before applying to soil (see IBI Technical Bulletin #101: Quick tests to determine whether a biochar material contains compounds that are potentially harmful to plants). Biochar is not a single material and can vary in its composition according to how it...
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Biochar can be made from a wide variety of feedstocks and under a wide variety of conditions, yielding a wide variety of potential product characteristics. Not all biochars are suitable for soil application as supplied. This Technical Bulletin covers two rapid tests that can be used to assess the...- Also available in:
- Español (es)