A United Scientific Voice on Biochar.
Press Release. 02/02/09
Biochar – the stable carbon product made from renewable organic matter – has
garnered political interest over the past few weeks. This is largely the result of
awareness raising efforts of those scientists who have been working on the science
and technology of biochar over a number of years. Biochar has significant potential
for climate change mitigation and agricultural sustainability.
The “Australian and New Zealand Biochar Researchers Network” (ANZBRN) is an
eminent group of scientists interested in advancing the understanding and application
of biochar. The network was formed at an inaugural meeting in October 2008, and
launched its website – www.anzbiochar.org – in January 2009.
The Network states on their website that “Collectively, our aim is to collaborate on
research programs, promote and advocate the adoption of biochar investigation and
use, and communicate the opportunities presented by biochar to policy makers, land
managers, the public, industry and fellow scientists”.
The Network states that “biochar could be particularly relevant for Australia, as many
Australian soils have very low levels of nutrients and carbon, and are at risk of
acidification”.
Studies show that biochar is a stable carbon product, lasting decades to centuries,
depending on feedstock and process conditions. Some biochars improve soil condition
and increase plant growth, but results vary widely between biochar types and
applications. Research is required to find the best way to adopt biochar technologies
to optimise the environmental and greenhouse benefits, of which there are many.
Benefits of the technology include: enhancement of soil productivity, carbon
sequestration, waste management, greenhouse gas mitigation and bioenergy.
The Network “recommends the use of biochars made from sustainably harvested and
renewable biomass resources”. The use of biomass for the production of biochar
should not diminish essential environmental services, such as maintenance of water
and air quality, protection of soil resources, and conservation of biodiversity.
The Network states“Biochar application must deliver a net environmental benefit”.
The Australia New Zealand Biochar Researchers Network and the Japanese Biochar
Initiative are pleased to announce the Asia Pacific Biochar Conference, Watermark
Hotel, Gold Coast Australia 17 – 20 May, 2009.
Conference committee members claim “With a growing amount of misinformation
from the non-science community on the state of biochar research and technology, this
conference will provide an opportunity for a rigorously peer-reviewed source of
current research to be heard”.
Request further information: info@anzbiochar.org
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