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SAC Runs First Trial of Biochar for Farm Use

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N62
Published: 24 May 2011

Biochar product trial (opens in new window)

The first SEPA approved biochar trial has been established by SAC in collaboration with the UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC) of the University of Edinburgh. This landmark trial, taking place on Boghall Farm, Mid Lothian represents the first study of a biochar product specifically for use on farm land.

As the name suggests biochar is similar to charcoal. It is a carbon rich product that can be obtained from organic feedstocks such as wood, straw, manure or even slurry through a process called pyrolysis.
 
Making charcoal involves burning wood at high temperatures in a limited supply of air. The Pyrolysis process for biochar involves rather lower temperatures, producing a charcoal-like product as well as gasses and bio oils. Many of these can be collected and used in energy production. However some remain in the biochar, offering a potential nutrient source for organisms like fungi and bacteria.
  
SAC’s field trial is using plots of barley to investigate the value of biochar as a soil additive. It is believed particles of biochar might make the soil more productive by helping retain water, supporting more soil micro organisms, reducing nutrient loss and controlling acidity. In order for the SAC experiments to use a consistent product they are based on biochar made from a specially grown crop of Miscanthus sinensis. However researchers believe in future making biochar from organic waste would be more practical.

Maria Borlinghaus is the PhD student carrying out the research.

“This trial represents real collaboration between SAC and Edinburgh University. SEPA’s involvement means we can provide information on a developing technology direct to the regulators. Biochar has the potential for generating energy, enhancing waste stream management and contributing to climate change mitigation, as well as promising agricultural benefits”.

It is believed the field based experiments Maria is carrying out will help improve the understanding of biochar applications for pathogen control and improved crop yields by altering the physical and biological structure of the soil for the better.

This announcement coincides with the 3rd UKBRC conference being held in Edinburgh University’s Swann Building, Kings Buildings Campus on 25th, 26th May. It follows the official launch of the University’s new pilot-scale specified biochar production pyrolysis facility on the same site on the 24th of May 2011.

Please refer to the Biochar Centre website for more details about the conference – and for registration you can go directly to the conference page.

Contact Maria Borlinghaus on 0131 535 4139 or email maria.borlinghaus@sac.ac.uk. Dr Oliver Knox, her supervisor, can be contacted on 0131 535 4006.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Dr Oliver Knox
Crop Systems Ecologist
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4066
Fax 0131 535 4144

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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