Project details

Due to the need to curb climate change, options for actively removing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere are increasingly coming into focus. One way of converting carbon into a very stable form and preserving it over a long period of time is the conversion of biomass into biochar via pyrolysis.

In agriculture, biochar can be used directly as a soil additive, as a carrier substance for fertilisers and as an additive to animal feed and bedding, for manure treatment or composts. In addition to climate protection effects, further advantages are expected: Among other things, improved animal health and reduced odor development, a contribution to nutrient and water retention in the soil. Non-agricultural uses include e.g. integration into building materials and thus a long-term fixation of carbon, processing to activated carbon or use as a plant substrate for city trees.

The discussion about biochar is characterise on one side by high expectations to provide – relativeley quickly and with low ecological risk - a carbon sink and a t the same time diverse application benefits and on the other side by existing reservations (e.g. with regard to biomass origin and possible harmful substances in the biochar).

The dynamics of developments in the areas of climate protection and CO2 sinks in general and biochar in particular are high. However, biochar is still little known to the general public. The project aims therefore to give an up-to-date overview of the state of knowledge on the subject of biochar and in particular its use in agriculture. The focus thereby is on Germany. Legal framework conditions and aspects of biomass use considering climate protection and limited resources are also addressed.

The results obtained are based on the analysis of current literature sources and information on the Internet as well as discussions with selected experts.