Recently, Emergen Research came out with a report that the global biochar market should triple by 2030. The increased demands would come from an agricultural market that’s hoping to increase crop yield and cut down on waste in farming. Unfortunately, it seems like companies looking into biochar are moving far too slowly to incorporate this emerging technology into their processes. So what’s going on? Why is biochar catching on so slowly? Learn more about this soil amendment and how it may change the face of agriculture in the coming years.

What Is Biochar?

Biochar is a soil amendment resulting from an end-product made from certain types of biomass, like wood, manure, biowaste, and other agricultural residues. When heated to high temperatures and deprived of oxygen, these materials burn to char while trapping greenhouse gases and carbon permanently. Biochar prevents these gases from entering the atmosphere for thousands of years.

Biochar Uses

While biochar is one way to more safely dispose of agricultural waste, it can also be used to improve soil for farming and for more cost-effective tree planting. Many companies hope to eliminate famine by planting more quickly and increasing crop yield over time.

Biochar inoculation results in improved soil structure, enhanced water retention, and increased nutrient-holding capacity within the soil. However, every company that produces biochar creates a completely unique product with different biomass sources. Some biochars may have higher potassium, while others contain more carbon. Industrial agriculture entities must carefully consider the application for which they need biochar before deciding which products to use.

Some other biochar uses include capping oil and gas wells, dyeing tires and electronic devices, or substituting for fly ash.

Industry Reception

It seems like biochar has many applications that can enhance production processes, so why is adoption so slow? Some reasons the reception for biochar is lukewarm include regulatory compliance, deal structuring, and green credits.

Regulatory Compliance

There are a variety of regulatory concerns and obligations that could cause problems for entities that want to use biochar. Some questions they must answer include:

• Is the biomass used for the biochar considered waste? Is the resulting biochar considered waste?
• Was the biomass ever treated with chemicals before its conversion into biochar?
• Are there any specialty shipping or storage requirements?
• Are biochar companies making any claims about this product that cannot be proven?
• If sold for agricultural purposes, will the biochar require labeling under federal and state regulations?

Corporate Deals

Maximizing benefits and minimizing liabilities is an essential part of deal and project structuring. Introducing a new product to massive entities means carefully considering the financial responsibilities, risks, and burdens. Who is responsible for any fallout or damages that may occur? Are any safeguards in place for protecting biochar suppliers and the agricultural entities that work with them?

Green Credits

Anyone who uses biochar likely wants to apply for green credits, but new applications require an LCA to prove their worth. Life cycle assessments can be slow, costly, and complicated, as they must assess the environmental impact at every stage of the biochar lifecycle — from its creation and transport to use and results.

Final Thoughts

While biochar may be an innovative way to transform the agricultural industry, adoption will definitely be slow due to legal and regulatory concerns. However, new studies are emerging every day with answers and solutions to the questions surrounding this new soil amendment. Stay up to date on the news to follow the wider adoption of biochar.