Why it matters:
The complexity of problems surrounding biodiversity, deforestation, water purity, greenhouse gas emissions, and global hunger require dynamic, multifaceted solution sets. Biochar heeds the call.
Recap:
Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.” Biochar (biomass-derived black carbon), or terra preta, is an almost ubiquitous form of organic carbon in soils with multiple utilities including: water purification and retention, structure for the growth of beneficial microorganisms, improving soil health, uptake of minerals by plants, and carbon dioxide sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems.
This “black gold” emerged from research on Amazonian Dark Earths, where soil has remained healthy for millennia due to biochar’s recalcitrance to mineralization and decomposition. Thousands of years ago, natives in the Amazon region used bio-char to improve soil health, leading to increased crop yield, as well as a means of minimizing erosion and decomposition. Native Americans were not aware, however, that this material might someday be one of the leading solutions to greenhouse gas emissions, soil depletion, hunger and unsustainable land use cycles.
In many developing countries using “slash-and-burn” based cultivation methods, weather erosion and deforestation have significantly reduced food production; biochar restores the health of nutrient-poor, acidic tropical soils, and lets sustainable agro-forestry systems take root in these cured soils.
Commentary:
8.5% of the earth is arable land. If humans were able to increase humus (any organic matter that has reached a point of stability/mature compost/healthy topsoil) by 1.6%, carbon levels could reach pre-industrial status. Combine this fact with this: agriculture puts more CO2 into the air than fossil fuels. If biochar does what it claims, it very well may be the missing link in turning back the clock on greenhouse gas levels.
Furthermore, biochar is said to improve soil health for hundreds of years while circumventing the risk of being blown down in a hurricane or cut down for lumber. Biochar is rapidly gaining attention in the agricultural community where its dual function of increased soil health and crop yield makes its appeal undeniable. Three companies worth investigating include: Biochar Engineering Corporation, Biochar Fund and the International Biochar Initiative.
But, until Biochar “comes to market” here are some actions you can take to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and improve soil quality…
Creative Solutions:
- Figure out your Carbon Footprint
- Offset your Carbon
- Offset your Travel
- Compost at Home
- Compost as a Community
BioChar is commercially available on the market. We attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of Mantria’s first EternaGreen BioChar production plant in Dunlop, TN on Aug. 1st. A second, larger plant will in production by the 1st of Oct. in Hohenwald TN. Being a graduate of EternaGreen University BioChar education program we are authorized distributors of EternaGreen BioChar and BioCarbon products.
Check out our website at BiocharGrows.com for more information.
You may place an order for a 25# bag up to a multi ton.
Lee & Rita Staszak
Email: BiocharGrows@Gmail.com
BioChar has come to market!!
On the 1st of August, 2009, Mantria Industries opened it’s Mantria EternaGreen Center at Dunlap, Tennessee. The facility is the world’s largest BioChar plant – and the only commercial operation of its kind anywhere.
The Center’s output of BioChar can potentially sequester 96,000 tons of CO2 per year. The plant will convert 43,000 tons of biomass waste to 32,000 tons of EternaGreen™ BioChar annually. Additionally, the facility will produce enough BioElectricity to power more than 1,200 households.
In the fields next to the center, Mantria Industries will be growing bamboo, switch and elephant grass as feedstock for the plant, earning carbon credit in the process.
EternaGreen ™ BioChar is a BioProduct ™ created by the innovative EternaGreen ™ Carbonization process, which is a groundbreaking new method of converting biomass into energy, fuel and valuable carbon products.
BioChar itself is backed by over 30 years of research and promises to drastically reduce greenhouse gasses, increase crop yields greatly, and provides new life to our ecosystem.
As a soil amendment, EternaGreen TM BioChar can help increase the Cation Exchange Capacity or CEC which allows for nutrients to be readily available to plants. Due to its highly porous structure EternaGreen TM BioChar allows for supreme adsorption of nutrients, minerals, and gasses increasing microbial functions in the soil. EternaGreen TM BioChar acts as a “sponge” for nutrients and minerals releasing them as needed ensuring that farmers get the most out of your soil using far less water and fertilizer.
BioChar is not going to combat global warming alone, but will – now that it is available in commercial quantities – have a very positive impact on CO2 levels, green energy production, waste reduction and increased agricultural output.
To learn more visit: http://www.biocharcorp.com