BENEFITS
The effects of biochar and the right use of its properties can give many positive results;
As soil enhancement to improve soil and human health
A nutrient and microbial carrier
An immobilizing agent for remediation of toxic metals and organic contaminants in soil and water
A catalyst for industrial applications
A Porous material for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and odorous compounds
Feed supplement to improve animal health and nutrient intake efficiency hence improved animal production
Soil Fertility
As a result of caption exchange capacity (high porosity, large surface area and other factors) biochar improves soil fertility and stimulate plant growth which then consumes more CO2 in a positive feedback effect.
Reduced emissions from feed stocks
The conversion of agricultural and forestry waste into biochar can avoid CO2 and CH4 emissions otherwise generated by the natural decomposition or burning of the waste.
Natural fertilizer
Biochar can also reduce the need for chemical fertilizers especially in degraded soils, resulting in reduced emissions of greenhouse gases from fertilizer manufacture.
Reduced greenhouse gases
When added in soils, It can also reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4)- two potent greenhouse gases from agricultural soils.
Enhanced soil microbial life
It can increase soil microbial life, resulting in more carbon storage in soil.