Biochar leaves European yields cold

摘要

Biochar, a black charcoal-type material which can store large amounts of carbon and increase fertility when added to soils, has been found to have little effect in Europe on yields.Biochar is produced through pyrolysis; whereby an organic feedstock such as poultry litter is heated to 300C in a low to zero-oxygen environment.Interest in adding biochar to soils was sparked by the study of terra preta, or black earth, in the Amazonian basin.These soils have a high charcoal content as a result of slash and burn practices, and have been found to have increased water retention capabilities and nutrition levels.