Biochar Permanence Report
Unlocking the Potential of Biochar:
A Closer Look at Its Permanence
In the quest to understand permanence of biochar, our report sheds light on critical findings from two scientific publications by Sanei et al. (2024) and Azzi et al. (2024).
The report, authored by Secretary General Harald Bier and Board Chairman Hansjörg Lerchenmüller at Biochar Europe, offers a comparative analysis of results from the two studies.
It reveals a key gap: most incubation experiments use carbonized material that is not representative of biochar produced commercially today. Moreover, these studies often lack detailed characterization of biochar fractions, hindering a comprehensive understanding of their properties.
Another key point posited in the paper is that the observed degradation rates shown in incubation experiments are consistent with the size of the labile fractions that are known to be easily degradable.
Upon closer examination of the commercially produced state-of-the-art biochar, a noteworthy observation emerges, that it mostly consists of a material that is chemically and structurally equivalent to the geological reference of “inertinite”. A material that is known to be stable over geological timescales even in shallow coal beds exposed to oxygen, weathering, and conditions well-suited for microbial degradation.
It is important to understand that not all biochars are equal and consist of different fractions with fundamentally different chemical properties. Therefore, exhibiting various levels of resistance to microbialde composition.
The inherent stability of inertinite-like biochar fractions implies resistance to degradation within foreseeable periods. This underscores biochar’s potential as a long-term carbon storage solution and has significant implications for climate change mitigation efforts.
As the report makes its debut, it invites a broader audience of scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to review its findings. Through collaborative discourse, we can harness the potential of biochar while ensuring informed decision-making in carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies.
In summary, while biochar’s permanence holds promise, ongoing research and collaboration are vital to fully realize its benefits for a sustainable future.
To delve deeper into these findings and explore the implications for climate change mitigation strategies, we invite you to download the full report HERE.
This comprehensive document offers a detailed analysis of the latest scientific research on biochar permanence and provides valuable insights for informed decision-making in the fight against climate change.