Study Highlights Biochar Potential to Reduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions from Agriculture

Scientists at The Ohio State University conducted an analysis of 200 field studies of biochar application in agriculture around the globe, to evaluate its impact on greenhouse-gas emissions. They found that use of biochar in agricultural soils lowered the amount of nitrous oxide in the air by about 18% and methane by 3%. The biochar use alone did not lower carbon dioxide emissions, but had a net impact when its use was combined with other fertilizers. “If we can convince farmers that converting biomass to biochar is good for the long-term sustainability of soils, the economy, and good for the environment, then we’ll be able to see wide adoption of this technology,” noted study leader and research associate Raj Shrestha.
Related ATTRA topic area: Biochar