When it comes to soil amendments, charcoal is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But if you really think about it, charcoal is carbon that’s been locked up in the same way that coal is carbon, perfectly sequestered. There’s a catch though – you can’t burn it. But if we can’t burn it, how do we activate the carbon in biochar?

In this episode, Rob Lavoie of AirTerra helps us understand how to unlock that carbon and feed those hungry little soil microbes that feed us.

Highlights:

• 2:09 – Rob Lavoie shares his background
• 2:50 – How is carbon currently captured in agriculture?
• 6:21 – What is biochar and how does it benefit the soil?
• 7:38 – How is biochar used?
• 8:05 – Rob shares how biochar is useful.
• 13:34 – Why should you co-compost biochar with other organics?
• 17:43 – What are the benefits of using biochar as a feed ingredient?
• 19:12 – Rob explains other ways to use biochar.
• 21:46 – What are the economics of producing and using biochar in a circular economy?

Useful Links:

• AirTerra: www.airterra.com
• Biochar in agriculture – A systematic review of 26 global meta-analysis
• Wilson Biochar Associates Research Paper “Use of Biochar in Poultry Barns
• Wilson and Associates: www.wilsonandassociates.ca
• Organic coating on biochar explains its nutrient retention and stimulation of soil fertility

Want to learn more?

Our Farmers Blog is also a great source for stories of producers in Alberta who are going the extra mile with their management practices for the land, food and their communities.