Welcome to the email discussion list for Biochar.

The intent of this discussion list is to promote the production and use of Biochar.

Biochar 1) converts carbon from the atmosphere into stored carbon in soil, and 2) enhances the productivity of agriculture and forestry on/in those soils.
Biochar is charcoal made from biomass, mixed with other soil amendments; natural and/or industrial fertilizers, compost and/or green compost crops, and potentially with beneficial microbial inoculants. Hopefully, bio-energy released during the production of charcoal (as heat and valuable fuel gases) can be used to offset fossil fuel use.
Biochar-in-soil practices could be the most cost effective means of reducing carbon loading in both the atmosphere and oceans. Research has shown that Biochar has great longevity in soil (several centuries to millennia), can change soil properties favorably, and help deliver nutrients to plants better than occurs in un-amended soil.

This list explores the production and use of biochar at both individual household and larger scales. We encourage discussions on how to convert biomass into Biochar safely and cleanly, how to characterize Biochar, how to determine Biochar's cost-effectiveness, how to design agricultural practices that create its field-effectiveness, and on optimum policies to encourage its use.
For more resources and information, visit our web site http://terrapreta.bioenergylists.org
For Biochar Fundamentals see Phillp Small's Gardening with Biochar FAQ
Climate Change issues are discussed on a companion list: groups.yahoo.com/group/biochar-climatechange/
For messages from January 2007 to June 2008 see: Terra Preta