About biochar

A brief overview

Biochar: a versatile helper for the soil, climate and environment

What is biochar?

Biochar is more than just charcoal.
It improves soil, stores nutrients, reduces odours – and also helps to protect the climate.
Whether in the garden, in agriculture or in the barn: here you can find out how to use biochar sensibly.

Production and composition

Biochar is produced by pyrolysis – a process in which plant materials such as wood, green waste or agricultural residues are carbonized at temperatures between 380°C and 1000°C in the absence of air.
The result is a porous, carbon-rich substance with a high internal surface area that can bind water, nutrients and pollutants.

Comparison of classic pyrolysis vs. Kon-Tiki

Application examples in practice

Biochar, also known as biochar, has many exciting applications in practice – especially in agriculture, but also in other industries. Here are some examples of how biochar is used:

Agriculture & Horticulture

  • Main objective: Improvement of soil structure and fertility.

  • Effect: Increased water storage capacity, nutrient retention, promotion of humus formation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Practical example: Incorporating biochar into compost or liquid manure to produce Terra Preta-like soils.

 

interesting links

Composting

Biochar improves compost quality by retaining nutrients and moisture. It accelerates the rotting process and binds odors, promotes microorganisms and helps to produce fertile humus. Simply mix it into the compost in layers – for healthy soil and sustainable gardening.

Terra Preta

Biochar is a key component of “Terra Preta”, a fertile black soil discovered in the Amazon region. It is created by mixing compost, biochar and organic waste. Ideal for gardens that need to be sustainable and productive.

This technique is now being imitated worldwide to create sustainable and productive soils.

Urban Gardening

In urban areas, biochar is increasingly being used in gardens and on balconies.
Biochar makes raised beds, balcony boxes and plant sacks more fertile in the long term. It stores water and nutrients, improves the soil structure and supports plant growth – ideal for limited growing areas in the city.

Animal husbandry

  • Main objective: To increase animal welfare and improve barn hygiene.

  • Effect: Reduction of odor formation, binding of harmful substances, improvement of digestion with feed additives.

  • Practical example: Use of biochar as bedding in stables to bind odors and reduce pathogens.

 

interesting links

Biogas production

  • Main objective: Increasing biogas yield and efficiency.

  • Effect: Stabilization of the fermentation process, binding of inhibitors.

  • Practical example: Addition of biochar to the digester to optimize biogas production.

 

Building materials & textiles

  • Main objective: Development of sustainable materials with improved properties.

  • Effect: Insulating effect, moisture regulation, odor absorption.Bochum University

  • Practical example: use of biochar in insulating materials or functional clothing to improve material properties. Bochum University of Applied Sciences

 

 

Real projects in the EU and Greece

 

1st HyPErFarm project (EU)

An EU-funded project that combines agrivoltaics, hydrogen production and biochar to develop sustainable agricultural systems. PK BiG

2. university of Hamburg – biochar research

The University of Hamburg received funding for a project to research the use of biochar in agriculture and its contribution to climate protection.

 

 

Conclusion

Biochar is a versatile and sustainable material that offers both ecological and economic benefits. Whether as a soil improver, climate protector or environmental technology – its potential applications are diverse and promising. Through the targeted use of biochar, we can not only improve the quality of our soil, but also make an important contribution to climate protection.