Biochar Presentation

Decomposition of Biomass

• Biochar can be produced as low 500°C.

• We maximize pyrolysis temperature so that we increase GAS &

LIQUID yields. By doing so, ALL degradable products are driven from

the biomass.

• The only thing that remains is Carbon. The properties of this carbon is

heavily dependent on the process.

• The carbon is actually carbon that the plant absorbed during their life

time (Mostly CO2)!

• By putting this carbon that the plants absorb into the soil you can

actually Sequester Carbon.

Decomposition of Biomass

Heating biomass in the absence of Oxygen to

1100°C (2012°F) drives off:

• Moisture @ 100°C

• Hemicellulose @ 150°C

• Cellulose @ 300°C

• Lignin @ 500°C

What’s left? => CARBON

pH

Ours

CEC

Biochar can assist plant growth by Cation retention.

Soluble Salts

http://blogs.cornell.edu/horticulture/files/2011/11/Soluble-

Salts-May-6-2013-o36voh.pdf

= 1.1 mmhos/cm

Surface Area Coral Reef of the Soil – An increase in surface area means more space for

air, gas, water, microbes, nutrients, etc. For example, carbon dioxide

content in soil is actually a good indicator of soil health but it must be

exchanged with fresh air frequently.

Biochar improves soil structure or

soil aeration in fine-textured soils.

Adding biochar has a direct impact

on bulk soil structure.

Higher processing temperatures is

commonly associated with higher

surface areas.

Water Holding

Ours

Water Holding

MWPS-30 Sprinkler Irrigation Systems, 1st edition 1999

Ours

Water Holding

Fertilizer Efficiency As CEC is improved, nutrient losses through leaching are reduced

during rainfall. Altering the soil physical condition, reduced soil

strength & increased field capacity of hard setting soils improves

available fertilizers.

Density

Total Porosity = 85% (Air & Water)

Water Holding Capacity = 60% (Water)

Carbon Content

Microbial Life Microbes eat carbon in order to get the energy they need to

sustain life. Carbon can come from organic plant material, waste

products produced by other organisms or the bodies of

microorganisms themselves.

Second Growth Year

Microbial Life

Turf Grass

In Summary

• Our biochar is different because of our unique conversion process

• Surface Area Improvements

– Reduced Density

– Increased Water Holding Capacity

– Foster Microbial Activity

– Increased CEC

• pH around 11 but not a liming agent

• Biochar is Stable in the Soil