Biochar in olive cultivation: benefits for farmers, the environment and the climate

Olive cultivation is facing major challenges worldwide. Climate change, soil erosion and water scarcity affect olive yields and quality. A promising solution for sustainable and resilient olive cultivation is the use of biochar. This natural soil improvement offers numerous benefits for farmers, the environment and the climate.

Advantages for the farmer

• Improved soil fertility:
  Biochar increases nutrient availability as it acts like a sponge and stores nutrients. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• Water storage:
  The high porosity helps the soil to store water better. This is particularly beneficial in dry regions and reduces irrigation costs.
• Higher yields and better quality:
  The improved nutrient and water supply means that healthier olive trees grow, resulting in higher yields and better olive oil quality.
• Reduced operating costs:
  Less need for fertilizers and water leads to lower production costs.
• Healthier plants:
  Biochar can improve soil microbiology and support the growth of beneficial microorganisms, which increases resistance to disease.

Benefits for the environment

• Soil protection and erosion reduction:
  The structure of biochar stabilizes the soil, prevents erosion and protects against nutrient leaching.
• Recycling biomass waste:
  Waste is put to good use by producing biochar from agricultural residues such as olive pits or tree prunings.
• Better soil life:
  The positive effects on soil organisms promote a healthy ecosystem.

Climate protection through biochar

• CO₂ storage:
  Biochar binds carbon in the soil in the long term, reducing CO₂ emissions.
• Lower nitrous oxide emissions:
  Optimized nutrient storage in the soil reduces the release of climate-damaging nitrous oxide.
• Reduced use of fossil resources:
  Fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides mean less dependence on fossil raw materials.

Use of biochar in olive cultivation

Biochar can be incorporated into the soil in various ways:

• Direct incorporation into the soil:
  Biochar is worked into the soil before planting or around existing trees. A dosage of 500 g to 2 kg of biochar per tree is recommended, depending on the soil conditions and age of the tree.
• Mix with compost or manure:
  To enrich the biochar with nutrients, it can be mixed with organic material such as compost or manure before use. A mixture of 10-20% biochar and 80-90% organic material is ideal.
• Application as a mulch layer:
  Biochar can be spread on the soil surface as mulch to reduce evaporation and retain moisture in the soil.
• Incorporation into irrigation systems:
  In combination with liquid fertilizers or biostimulants, finely ground biochar can be applied via drip irrigation systems.

Conclusion

Biochar is a sustainable solution for olive cultivation. It not only improves profitability and productivity for farmers, but also protects the environment and actively contributes to climate protection. Especially in dry regions with challenging conditions, it can make a decisive contribution to resilient and sustainable olive cultivation.

Biochar in the garden and vegetable cultivation: natural power for the soil, environment and climate

Biochar is becoming increasingly popular in horticulture and vegetable growing. This carbonized biomass has impressive properties that both promote plant growth and have a positive impact on the environment and climate. But what exactly is biochar and how can it be used effectively in your own garden?

Advantages for vegetable cultivation

• Improved soil structure:
  The porous structure of biochar stores water and nutrients, making the soil looser and promoting plant growth.
• Increased nutrient availability:
  biochar can be loaded with compost or fertilizer and slowly releases the nutrients to the plants.
• Better water retention:
  The soil stays moist for longer, especially in dry periods, which reduces the need for irrigation.
• Healthy plants:
  Thanks to the improved nutrient supply, plants grow more vigorously and are less susceptible to disease.

Positive effects on the environment

• Soil improvement:
  The long-term storage of carbon in the soil contributes to humus formation and supports soil life.
• Reduction of nutrient losses:
  Biochar binds nitrogen and prevents fertilizers from leaching into the groundwater.
• Natural protection against pests:
  A healthy soil promotes the microbiome, which has a positive effect on the defense against pests.

Climate protection through biochar

Biochar binds carbon permanently in the soil, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere as CO2. This makes it an effective measure for CO2 reduction and climate protection. It also supports the regeneration of degraded soil and helps to keep agricultural land fertile in the long term.

Use in your own garden

• When composting:
  Mix biochar with compost to bind nutrients and promote humus formation.
• Directly in the bed:
  Mix with soil before planting (approx. 10 % biochar content) to improve the soil structure.
• In planters:
  Biochar can be used as a substrate component to provide potted plants with a better supply of water and nutrients.

Conclusion

Biochar is a sustainable solution for a healthy soil structure, high-yielding vegetables and a positive contribution to climate protection. Thanks to its versatile application options, every gardener can benefit from the advantages and actively contribute to improving the environment. Try it out and give your garden a natural boost with biochar!

Biochar in animal feed: opportunities and risks for goats, sheep and chickens

Biochar, a product obtained from plant materials by pyrolysis, is increasingly being used in animal feed. There is great potential, particularly for ruminants such as goats and sheep and for poultry such as chickens. But what are the benefits of biochar and are there any risks that need to be considered?

Advantages of biochar in animal feed

• Improvement of intestinal health
  Biochar can bind toxins and harmful microorganisms in the digestive tract, thereby reducing diarrhea. This is particularly beneficial for sheep and goats that are sensitive to changes in feed.
• Optimization of nutrient absorption
  The adsorption of undesirable substances improves the utilization of feed components, which leads to better weight gain and health.
• Reduction of harmful substances in faeces
  Biochar binds nitrogen compounds, which leads to a lower ammonia load in the barn. This improves the air quality and reduces stress for the animals.
• Support for the immune system
  The regulating effect on the intestinal flora helps to strengthen the immune system, which means that infections occur less frequently.
• Environmentally friendly
  Biochar in feed contributes to CO₂ storage as it can be incorporated into the soil, where it binds carbon in the long term.

Risks and challenges

• Overdose
  Adding too much biochar can lead to the binding of important nutrients, which can result in deficiency symptoms. The correct dosage is therefore essential.
• Quality of the biochar
  Not all biochar is suitable for animal feed. It must be free from harmful substances such as heavy metals or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
• Long-term effects not yet fully researched
  While short-term benefits are well documented, there are still no long-term studies on possible negative effects.

Conclusion

Biochar offers numerous advantages for the feeding of goats, sheep and chickens, particularly with regard to digestion, nutrient absorption and the climate in the barn.
Nevertheless, it should be used with caution to avoid negative effects. Farmers should use high-quality biochar and adhere to recommended dosages to ensure safe and effective use.