Biochar
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Biochar is essentially charcoal. Traditionally it has been produced by piling wood, covering it with earth and allowing it to slowly burn in a limited air environment. This method is still widely used today in many countries, however, it releases a large amount of the carbon in the biomass (about half) into the atmosphere. A more efficient way of producing biochar is through the process of pyrolysis - a method of combustion in the near or complete absence of oxygen. In addition to biochar, this process also creates gasses and bio-oils that have potential for fuel use (USBI, 2018).
Photo credit for biochar example on cover - "La Braccesca Estate, Marchesi Antinori" Cortona (AR), Italy, photo by CNR-IBE, Ichar
