Biochar Project Australia - Biochar what is it?

Biocharproject.org is a living evolving resource with the sole purpose of enlightening people to the exiting future of Biochar and its beneficial environmental potential. It is one family’s journey to discover themselves and the beautiful land they were born in with the sole intention of sharing this wonderful discovery that is Biological charcoal.

Their passion for this ancient technology will see them gain many new friends who all have the common good of the planet as a special bond with each other as we teach learn and do many new things.

This journey is about living and as a reader of the website you will learn so many things about Biochar, man, nature. You will feel exited and will want to be part of the action. I implore you to look us up now and become part of our journey, send us your questions and answers and help us help the world with Biochar.
BIOCHAR WHAT IS IT?

Bio char is charcoal produced by heating organic material at a high temperature in limited oxygen. It is a stable product, very rich in carbon, which is used to lock carbon into the soil.

Anyone can make charcoal. Just burn some wood. At high temperatures you get a more pure product with

additional beneficial qualities.

Of these positive properties, the one we are focussing on is its ability to rejuvenate the planet and its soil.



Bio char has been described as “the single most important initiative for humanity’s environmental future. It allows us to address food security, the fuel crisis, and the climate problem, all in an immensely practical manner.” —Prof Tim Flannery, Australian of the Year 2007

What are the benefits of Bio char?

Digging Bio char into the earth has been shown to bring about many beneficial and long-term positive effects on soil. Like:
increase the water holding capacity of the soil.
increase crop production.
increase soil carbon levels.
increase soil pH.
decrease Aluminium toxicity.
positively change the microbiology of the soil.
decrease soil emissions of the greenhouse gases CO2, N2O and CH4.
improve soil conditions for earthworm populations.
improve fertiliser use efficiency.

The effects of bio char will vary with soil type and the qualities of the bio char used. Studies so far have shown that the greatest positive effects of bio char applications have been in highly degraded, acidic or nutrient-depleted soils.

In Australia, both the CSIRO and NSW Department of Primary Industry are conducting field trials on bio char.

How is Biochar made?

Bio char can be produced from any organic material such as household green waste, paper waste or agricultural waste. It is made in a specially constructed incinerator that heats the organic material under pressure at temperatures above 430°C. The process, called pyrolysis, efficiently decomposes the bio matter, producing the bio char solid, a small amount of bio-oil, and gases whose heat can be use to create electricity. The production of bio char is a carbon negative process overall.

How does Bio-char help with climate change?

Burning trees and agricultural waste contributes a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere. The production and use of biochar breaks into the CO2 cycle, releasing oxygen and drawing carbon from the atmosphere to hold it in the soil.