Biochar as a plant substrate

Trees and plants are essential to our well-being and the climate. However, they are increasingly exposed to specific stress factors such as long dry periods or heavy rainfall. City trees also suffer from soil sealing and soil compaction in urban areas, which severely limit the availability of water and oxygen for tree roots (source: EMBREN, Planting Urban Trees with Biochar, 2016). As a result, these trees in particular have a significantly shorter lifespan, incur higher maintenance costs, and an ever-increasing percentage of newly planted trees do not survive the first year. Therefore, many attempts are being made to promote tree growth through synthetic fertilizers. In view of negative consequences such as greenhouse gas emissions, acidification, salinization, and soil carbon loss, more and more cities are seeking alternative strategies.

Some major cities, such as Stockholm (Sweden), or forestry companies in Quebec (Canada), have therefore begun planting their trees in mixed substrates containing biochar. Biochar is not only much more porous than sand or clay, it also does not biodegrade or compact as quickly as, for example, peat. The high porosity of biochar promotes gas exchange and water retention capacity at the roots, and its high permeability ensures improved root penetration.

Positive effects:

• Biochar improves root aeration, increases the pH value and thus prevents root diseases.
• Biochar regulates water content and supports microbial life in the soil, leading to increased plant productivity.
• Biochar offers a high water storage capacity and acts as a structuring component in soil and substrates.
• Furthermore, the use of biochar does not entail any additional costs for nursery producers or reforestation, as the use of biochar requires the same technical equipment as for processing peat.

(Source: LANGE/ALLAIRE, Substrates containing Biochar for White Spruce Production in Nursery, 2018)

FEED CHARCOAL – NATURALLY HEALTHY ANIMALS

Natural carbon products are particularly suitable when they have multiple uses, such as feed charcoal. As a feed additive, this gently and effectively improves animal health and, when excreted, reduces odor and ammonia formation in the stable.

Positive effects:

• Biochar as a silage additive prevents mold and fungal growth. Toxins are adsorbed, lactic acid bacteria work more effectively, and stable hygiene improves.
• Biochar reduces litter moisture, binds ammonium and other toxins, and improves footpad health. The litter remains scratchable longer.
• Biochar as a feed additive (feed charcoal) regulates the nutrient balance in the intestinal tract. Bacteria colonize more frequently, increasing feed effectiveness and slaughter weights.
• The ingested feed charcoal binds toxins in the digestive system. The animals remain healthy, vital, and balanced. Veterinary and medication costs are reduced.

ACTIVATED CARBON – FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES

With the plant system we use, we have created the optimal technical conditions for producing activated carbon from regionally renewable raw materials or regional biomass residues in accordance with European environmental standards. Using precise and clean carbonization technology, specialty carbons with surface areas of up to 1000 m3/g can be produced on an industrial scale. These carbons are used primarily as filter materials in wastewater and drinking water treatment.