FURTHER INSIGHTS
Further Insights
From Biochar Now Agent David Buss
Biochar Now became a leader in the production of biochar by focusing on a sustainable , highly efficient and proprietary process for converting waste wood — such as dead trees from wildfires or invasive species — into biochar . This process involves high-temperature pyrolysis with zero oxygen . By heating the wood at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen , Biochar Now is able to convert about 50 % of this wood into biochar , which has a half-life of over 13,000 years .
A key factor influencing Biochar Now ’ s industry leadership is their focus on using only waste wood , like scrap wood from construction sites and trees impacted by the invasive emerald ash borer . For them , it ’ s not about maximizing output ; it ’ s about supporting sustainability by preventing carbon emissions from decaying wood and transforming what would have otherwise been waste into a valuable resource .
Biochar Now ’ s biochar has numerous applications , particularly in agriculture , where it helps improve soil health and reduces the need for fertilizers and water . It can also be used in water filtration , for environmental remediation , and , potentially , as an alternative to coal in energy production .
In agriculture applications , biochar bonds with the soil and creates an environment where fertilizers are less likely to leach into groundwater . This results in better crop yields with fewer inputs , offering farmers a way to enhance their productivity while reducing environmental impact . Reducing the need for fertilizers also helps reduce nitrogen runoff , which is a significant contributor to water pollution in many farming areas .
Beyond agriculture , Biochar Now biochar has been used in municipal water treatment plants and even in cleanup efforts . To clean up the Gulf Coast after an oil spill , biochar was spread around the beach and shorelines to absorb oil from the sand .
The biochar locks the carbon in a stable form , preventing decomposition and emission for thousands of years . This offers an unparalleled method of carbon capture due to its tangibility . Unlike less stable sequestration methods — such as no-till farming and reforesting efforts that can be easily undone by wildfires — biochar remains stable and sequestered for millennia . It ’ s an incredibly safe and reliable form of carbon storage .
Looking ahead , Biochar Now is exploring the potential for expanding into other markets , including AgriCap . The company ’ s carbon credit insurance could play a crucial role in ensuring low carbon intensity in crops like corn and soybeans , which are used to create ethanol for AgriCap . By helping lower the carbon intensity of these crops , Biochar Now aims to support both farmers and the broader agricultural community in participating in the growing market for sustainable fuels .
As Biochar Now continues to innovate and expand , its commitment to sustainability , transparency , and economic opportunity will surely play a critical role in shaping the future of the carbon market and sustainable agriculture . +
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