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Biochar farming: defining economically perspective applications

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy volume 21, pages 1389–1395 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Biochar refers to the high-carbon, black fine-grained product of biomass pyrolysis. Independent studies repeatedly confirmed that its incorporation into arable land is a reliable carbon sequestration method that significantly improves soil quality. The latest development leads to a reduction in the production cost (− 10 to 30 USD t−1); however, the use of biochar in commercial agriculture remains scarce. The reason is that biochar can substitute lower-quality charcoals (150–300 USD t−1). Therefore, farmers tend to sell their biowaste for energy purposes, respectively, preferring a quick profit over the forgotten soil-improving practices, which hold long-term benefits. A review of the current state of the art was performed in order to search directions toward the most profitable biochar farming applications. There are indications that a promising direction might be its on-farm production followed by on-farm use and nutrient recycling, or more precisely, special fertilization applications.

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  1. The Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Okružní 517/10, 370 01, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

    Josef Maroušek, Otakar Strunecký & Vojtěch Stehel

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  1. Josef Maroušek
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  2. Otakar Strunecký
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  3. Vojtěch Stehel
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Maroušek, J., Strunecký, O. & Stehel, V. Biochar farming: defining economically perspective applications. Clean Techn Environ Policy 21, 1389–1395 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-019-01728-7

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Keywords

  • Biochar
  • Soil
  • Economy
  • Nutrients
  • Process management