Biochar is a promising resource for agriculture and livestock, reducing emissions, improving soils, and increasing production efficiency
Have you ever heard of biochar? Did you know that this product can be a highly effective alternative for carbon sequestration in agriculture and livestock?
In fact, beyond being a scientifically recognized carbon removal option, biochar is also a nature-based solution (NBS) —practices that use natural processes to address environmental challenges— that offers a range of additional environmental benefits. It plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and supporting climate mitigation efforts.
Interested in seeing how biochar is applied in practice? This material has gained attention in research and sustainable projects, such as those developed by the CCARBON/USP team. Keep reading to discover how this technology turns organic waste into powerful allies for the soil, the climate, and agricultural productivity.
Biochar: What It Is and the Main Types of Biomass Used in Its Production
Biochar is a solid material with a high carbon content, produced through the pyrolysis of biomass. This process involves heating organic matter at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, breaking down its molecules and reorganizing their chemical bonds. The process yields three products: biochar (solid phase), bio-oil (liquid phase), and syngas (gaseous phase), all of which have potential for energy recovery. What sets biochar apart from traditional charcoal is its agricultural use, functioning as a soil amendment that enhances productivity. In addition, it contributes to climate change mitigation by preventing biomass from decomposing rapidly and releasing greenhouse gases such as CO₂ and CH₄.
A wide range of biomass types can be used as feedstock for biochar production, especially agricultural residues and biosolids. In the Brazilian context, notable examples include sugarcane straw, corn stover, and cereal residues, as well as coffee husks, soybean shells, coconut and peanut shells, and fruit bunches from crops like palm, macaúba, and açaí. Other sources include forest residues and various lignocellulosic materials such as leaves, bagasse, manure, and wood chips. Using these residues not only gives a useful purpose to agro-industrial by-products but also supports regenerative agriculture and circular economy practices.
Biochar in Agriculture: Reducing Harmful Emissions and Enhancing Carbon Sequestration
In agriculture, biochar has been studied for its ability to reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions—a potent greenhouse gas associated with the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers. A recent study investigated the effects of different types of biochar on tropical soils cultivated with sugarcane. The materials were produced from sugarcane residues, pine (Pinus), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus).
Scanning electron microscopy of the pine biochar used in the experiment, with a magnification lens of 5000x. (Photo: Fernanda Palmeira Gabetto)
The results showed a reduction of 25% to 50% in N₂O emissions, compared to the sole use of fertilizers. Additionally, biochar promoted the accumulation of carbon in the soil, enhancing CO₂ sequestration from the atmosphere and improving soil health.The study’s evidence shows that biochar could be a promising tool to make agriculture more sustainable in tropical regions.
“Besides carbon sequestration, biochar can be considered a way to reduce hard-to-reduce emissions, such as N₂O, which comes from nitrogen fertilizers.”
Dr. João Luis Nunes Carvalho, researcher at CNPEM and CCARBON/USP.
Properties of Biochar and Impacts on Soil Microbiota
In addition to these more well-known benefits, biochar can also influence the life that exists in the soil, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Research shows that when biochar is added to the soil, an increase in the quantity and diversity of these microorganisms is often observed. This happens because biochar provides pores for shelter, alters pH, and releases nutrients and organic compounds that favor microorganisms.
Despite this, we still do not fully understand how biochar affects this microscopic life. Most studies have been conducted on already degraded soils. There is still little known about the effects of biochar on “raw” soils, such as clayey ones. These soils have low permeability and poor aeration, which hinders the development of plants and microorganisms. It is important to determine the optimal amount of biochar to apply in these cases. This way, we can understand how it improves the soil and microbial activity. Understanding these effects better could make all the difference in using biochar more efficiently in agriculture and the restoration of degraded areas.
Biochar in Livestock: Reducing Methane Emissions
Methane (CH₄) is one of the main greenhouse gases associated with livestock, resulting from the digestive process of ruminants. Studies show that adding biochar to animal feed can significantly reduce these emissions. Professor Yosra Soltan from Alexandria University leads the project Mitigating Livestock Greenhouse Gas Emissions, which researches natural strategies to reduce methane in livestock.
Her studies showed that supplementing animal feed with biochar reduced methane emissions by up to 20% and increased milk production by 12%. This strategy not only minimizes environmental impacts but also improves productivity and the sustainability of livestock farming. The findings earned her the PRIMA Woman Greening Food Systems Award, highlighting its impact on sustainable livestock farming, especially for small rural producers.
Biochar: an Effective Strategy Against Climate Challenges
Biochar is becoming a key tool in the fight against climate change, especially due to its role in carbon removal from the atmosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recognized that merely reducing GHG emissions will not be enough to halt global warming. To limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C, effective carbon removal strategies will also be necessary.
In this context, biochar stands out as a nature-based solution (NBS), capable of capturing carbon in a stable form and generating environmental benefits. In agriculture, it improves soil quality, reduces N₂O emissions, and stimulates beneficial microbiota. In livestock, its inclusion in animal feed can reduce methane emissions and increase productivity. Based on scientific evidence, biochar is establishing itself as an effective, accessible, and promising strategy to mitigate the climate impacts on the agricultural sector.
Potential of Biochar in Remediation of Contaminated Soils
In addition to its benefits in agriculture and livestock, biochar stands out as an alternative for the remediation of soils contaminated by heavy metals. Due to its high surface area, cation exchange capacity, and presence of functional groups, biochar can immobilize contaminants and reduce their bioavailability.
This application is particularly relevant in areas impacted by mining, industrial activities, or excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. The type of biomass used and the conditions under which biochar is produced directly influence its efficiency in environmental remediation. The pyrolysis temperature, for example, can directly impact the use and effectiveness of biochar. Different pyrolysis temperatures result in varying properties of the material, affecting its ability to absorb and immobilize contaminants.
The recovery of contaminated areas is essential for adapting to climate change, aiding in the regeneration of ecosystems and improving soil quality. Contaminated soils often release greenhouse gases due to nutrient degradation and loss of carbon retention capacity. The recovery of these areas, through practices such as biochar application, helps sequester carbon and reduce these emissions.
References:
Gabetto, F. P., Tenelli, S., Netto-Ferreira, J. B., Martins Junior, J., Almeida, O. A. C., Cosenza, M. L., Strauss, M., & Carvalho, J. L. N. (2025). Biochar from crop residues mitigates N2O emissions and increases carbon content in tropical soils. Biofuels, Bioprod. Bioref., 13(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.2734
Grossman, J.M., O’Neill, B.E., Tsai, S.M. et al. Amazonian Anthrosols Support Similar Microbial Communities that Differ Distinctly from Those Extant in Adjacent, Unmodified Soils of the Same Mineralogy. Microb Ecol 60, 192–205 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-010-9689-3
