SA Composters and Biochar
Since 2004 SA Composters have been developing a pyrolysis (click here to view our pyrolysis page) machine to convert some of our mulch into charcoal or Biochar. The aim is to create an input into our Organic Potting Mix and Garden Soil that will darken the products at the same time as improving performance.
Agricultural trials (see links below) promise an increase in productive capacity for amended soils. The secret seems to be the massive surface area of the Biochar to house microbial populations. It has been compared to a coral reef within the soil that acts as a host for a diverse ecosystem of fungi and bacteria (see link below) and is understood to be of very long term benefit.
Biochar Links
CSIRO Biochar Fact sheet - Click here to view
Radio National ABC Biochar Program - Click here to view
National Geographic Documentary on Terra Preta and Biochar - Click here to view
Australian Parliamentary Library: Basics of Biochar - Click here to view
Wikipedia overview of Biochar - Click here to view
Wikipedia overview of Terra Preta - Click here to view
The Promise of Biochar; Part 1: Youtube video - Click here to view
The Promise of Biochar; Part 2: Yoube video - Click here to view
International Biochar Initiative - Click here to view
Australia and New Zealand Biochar Researchers Network - Click here to view
Biochar Fund - Click here to view
Biochar Farms - Click here to view
National Society of Consulting Soil Scientits - Click here to view
Cascadia Biochar - Click here to view
Organic Biochar Development - Click here to view
Biochar.org - Click here to view
Other Links
Northern Rivers Echo - Biochar Trials - Click here to view
Beyond Zero Emissions: Carbon Negative Farming - Click here to view
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