Biochar Usage: Pros and Cons

Soil fertility benefits of charcoal application have been reported as early as 1847 indicating that plant nutrients are sorbed within charcoal pores. The use of biomass-derived black carbon or biochar, the solid byproduct from the pyrolysis processing of any organic feedstock, has garnered recent attention as a potential vehicle for carbon sequestration and a beneficial soil conditioner. However, most of the past biochar research has focused on improving the physico-chemical properties of tropical (i.e. terra preta) and highly weathered soils, while little research has focused on improving arid or semi-arid soils of the USA. Here, we present an overview of the potential benefits and drawbacks of biochar usage in western US agro-ecosystems based on research performed at multiple USDA-Agricultural Research Service locations (Washington, Idaho, Minnesota, and South Carolina)