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- -Composting Organizations (CompostingCouncil.org)
Provides organizations promoting compost. 09-19
- -Editorial: We Should Not Use Biochar (PermacultureNews.org)
The author argues that we should not move toward using biochar because 1] it will result in deforestation or loss of food crops, 2] it will deplete oxygen, 3] and black carbon pollutes. References are not provided. The author incorrectly writes about black carbon as if it is the same as biochar; it is not.
Editor's Note: The following was a comment in response to the article that puts it in context:
"All organic matter oxidises. Biochar oxidises a lot slower than other organic matter. Therefore it should _reduce_, not increase, the depletion of atmospheric oxygen which Mae-Wan Ho is concerned about."
"This seems a pretty basic error in Mae-Wan Ho’s argument."
"But, reading her last paragraph, it becomes clear that her analysis assumes the sort of unsustainable practice that none of the biochar advocates that I’ve been in touch with would support – basically deforestation for biochar production. This is an appalling misrepresentation, rejecting a promising technology because it can be misused. Surely it would make more sense to be calling for mechanisms which outlaw or marginalise this type of misuse, while encouraging more sustainable, locally-based use of the technology." And:"
"I would like to raise awareness that these negative and frequently false assumption about biochar have one single source. This is the organization “Biofuelwatch.org.uk”. As you can see in the references (For those who can access them)." Key staff at Biofuelwatch.org.uk are from the fossil fuel industry.
- -How to Plant With Biochar and Compost (SonomaCompost.com)
"1 Cubic foot of Sonoma Biochar is applied to the surface of 48 square feet of soil. Cover the Biochar with a high quality compost and water well (we recommend 4 cubic feet of compost). Move the biochar and compost back and forth to make sure it all gets moist. This step will allow the water running through the biochar-compost mix to form a compost tea that can be absorbed by the Biochar, thereby 'charging' it. Next, work the compost and biochar into the top 8-12 inches of soil and water well. Allow the soil to come to equilibrium for a few days, continuing to irrigate regularly. Next, hold off on watering until the soil feels just moist, not wet or dry. You are now ready to plant." 02-15
- -Study: What If We Pursued Biochar Aggressively to Reduce CO2 in the Air? (Nature.com)
Provides charts of three different scenarios in which biochar is used for carbon sequestration over the next 100 years. 02-15
- -Using Biochar to Reduce Aluminum Phytotoxicity in Acidic Soil (NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov)
"Compared to the liming effect, the adsorption by biochar exhibited a sustainable effect on the alleviation of Al toxicity. Therefore, the biochar amendment appears to be a novel approach for aluminum detoxification in acidic soils." 02-15
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