Biochar
Exploring the benefits of biochar for soil and sustainability
CSU Extension is your source for information surrounding biochar topics in Colorado, including biochar production and usage.
Biochar is currently being researched and used in a variety of applications across Colorado. Its use has the potential to provide benefits to multiple economic sectors. Learn more about biochar in Colorado.
What is biochar?
Biochar is a carbon-rich material made by heating biomass (plant or animal material) to high temperatures (480-1800°F) in the absence of oxygen. This process, called pyrolysis, chemically and physically alters the composition of the biomass to produce a highly porous, stable form of organic matter that can be used in various agricultural, ecological, and industrial applications.
How is biochar used?
Biochar has demonstrated value for a variety of applications including utilizing wood wastes from overcrowded or pest-infested forests, storing carbon in soils, mine remediation, and crop and animal agriculture. Continued research is necessary to better inform management decisions.
Is there a market for biochar?
A commercial biochar market is developing in the U.S. However, it is largely confined to laboratories, experimental field sites, mine reclamation, and specialty crops.
Is biochar profitable?
Biochar production can be profitable on a case-by-case basis, but success is often dependent on feedstock costs, carbon credit markets, policy incentives, and demand for biochar in industrial or agricultural applications.
Biochar resources
Biochar in the news
Commercial biochar sales information
Online Environmental and Natural Resource Economics B.S.
Gain the economic and analytical skills to evaluate environmental challenges and resource use decisions. This online degree prepares you to address issues like land use, climate policy, and sustainable technologies, including emerging solutions like biochar.