The Power of Biochar
What is biochar?
Biochar is a carbon-rich material created by heating organic matter, like wood or plant waste, in a low-oxygen environment.
It looks like charcoal but is specifically designed to improve soil health and sequester carbon out of the atmosphere. When added to soil, biochar enhances water retention, supports beneficial microbes, and prevents nutrient loss, making it a powerful tool for sustainable land management.
How is it made?
Biochar is produced through a process called pyrolysis, where organic materials are heated at high temperatures (typically 300–700°C) in a low-oxygen environment. This process prevents combustion, instead breaking down the material into biochar and releasing bio-oil and gases that can be used for energy.
At Circle Forestry, we create biochar using wood waste from arborist projects, ensuring trees are recycled into a valuable, soil-enhancing resource.
Biochar is a powerful soil ingredient
Minimizes nutrient loss for healthier soil
Balances soil pH and redox potential (Eh)
Supports a thriving microbial ecosystem in the soil
Improves water retention and conservation
Enhances soil resilience by adding long-lasting carbon, reducing degradation
Boosts plant growth, especially in nutrient-deficient soils
What biochar can do
Mitigates wildfire risk by converting excess fuel loads into carbon-rich, water-holding soil amendments
Prevents carbon from being released into the atmosphere as CO₂. Instead, it locks carbon into the soil, reducing greenhouse gases and improving soil health at the same time.
Helps combat drought by retaining moisture in the soil
Reduces fertilizer dependence by holding nutrients in place
Restores depleted soil by creating a healthy environment for beneficial microbes
Improves manure and compost quality by reducing odors and supporting good microbes
Remediates polluted soil by trapping heavy metals and contaminants while minimizing odor
Enhances sustainable building materials when used in cement, plasters, and other applications
Promotes animal health through improved feed and bedding applications
