A new study shows that biochar in soil strongly stimulates plant growth, and agroforestry systems are the best possible source of material that can be converted to biochar.

An article in The Ecologist explains how Biochar is produced when wood is combusted at high temperatures. When biochar is buried in the soil, it could lock-up carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also acting as a potent fertiliser. “In principle up to 12% of human carbon emissions could be sequestrated by biochar soil application,” says the article.

The challenge is to source the organic material needed to produce biochar without causing destruction to natural forests and other ecosystems. The study says integrated agroforestry systems have the best potential to conserve soils and ecosystems while producing food and organic material for conversion to biochar.

The greatest limitation on the use of biochar is the availability of organic material to convert into charcoal, without leading to the destruction of natural forests and other ecosystems.

Scientists investigated just how biochar stimulates plant growth by tracking changes in genetic expression that followed from its application. They found that cell expansion is stimulated in roots and leaves alike and this appears to be the consequence of a complex signalling network that is focused around 2 plant growth hormones.

The downside however is that biochar may place plants at greater risk of attack from pests and diseases.

Read the full story: Biochar doubles plant growth