Abstract
Biochar is a carbon-rich product resulting from pyrolysis, where biomass (such as wood chips, corn stover, and manure) is thermally treated at high temperatures under oxygen limited conditions (Figure 1). Pyrolysis produces syn-gas and bio-oil, fuels that can be used for heating or energy production, and a solid residual known as biochar.
Biochar is porous, has a high carbon content, and low density (5 to 20 pounds per cubic foot) and has recently been used as a soil amendment to foster soil health. When integrated into fields it can sequester carbon, improve soil fertility and crop yield, decrease nitrous oxide emissions (a potent greenhouse gas), and improve nitrogen retention and reduce nitrate leaching (a groundwater contaminate).