Study Highlights Potential of Crop-Residue Biochar for Carbon Sequestration

Researchers at Cornell University compiled maps showing areas of the world where crop residues could be converted to biochar as a means of sequestering greenhouse gas emissions. The study, published in the journal GCB Bioenergy, found that Bhutan has the potential to sequester 68% of its emissions in the form of biochar, followed by India, at 53%. The study identified 12 countries that could technically sequester more than 20% of their greenhouse gas emissions by converting crop residues to biochar that is applied to the soil. Globally, this study finds that potential annual biochar production could be 510 million metric tons of carbon per year, accounting for limitations on sustainable harvesting and competing uses for crop residue, such as livestock feed.
Related ATTRA topic area: Biochar