On October 27, as part of IBI's Webinar Series, Dr. Stephen Joseph presented “Making biochar commercially viable for horticulture and animal feed. Case studies in China and Australia". Dr.
On October 27, as part of IBI's Webinar Series, Dr. Stephen Joseph presented “Making biochar commercially viable for horticulture and animal feed. Case studies in China and Australia". Dr. Joseph outlined innovative companies that are commercializing biochar and presented case studies of farmers who are reaping profits from the biochar, while exploring how biochar is a growing industry in both China and Australia. In China, considerable support has been given to the development of the biochar industry whereas in Australia, the current government has not been supportive. In China, over 100,000 tonnes of biochar has been produced in the last year and a range of products are being sold where biochar is a minor component in either a chemical or organic product. Most of the biochar has been produced in either bio-energy plants or from more traditional charcoal kilns, although there are some companies offering equipment that only makes biochar. In Australia, although considerable research has been done, much of the production comes from either waste charcoal from a silicon smelting plant or from farm production. There are five companies who are offering equipment that make biochar ranging from a version of the KonTiki kiln to continuous pyrolyzers. One of the most exciting developments is the use of biochar as an animal feed and the burying of the biochar/dung using dung beetles.
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