Biochar –
an all-rounder
We produce biochar in a process that avoids the formation of pollutants in the biochar.
What makes biochar special
Biochar is a fine-grain, highly porous material consisting largely of carbon and minerals.
It acts as a carrier for microorganisms and improves the cation exchange capacity.
Basically biochar acts like a sponge and also has a similar structure. Cocoa shells, a feedstock for biochar, have a complex protein structure. This results in many docking sites for nutrients in the product as well as a high conductivity, which ensure a particularly high RedOx potential for enzymatic reactions. Unlike charcoal, biochar does not contain any pollutants thanks to the unique production process. We can guarantee permanent compliance with the strictest quality requirements on the basis of continuous quality controls in accordance with GMP+ specifications.
The effect of biochar
Biochar can be used in many different ways to improve soils and as an animal feed additive.
Circular Carbon is also continuously investigating further possibilities for the use of biochar – the potential is enormous.
In agriculture, biochar improves the soil structure and increases biodiversity and thus soil quality. The retention of nutrients and water in soils is improved, microbial biodiversity is higher and enzyme activity stronger. Carbon and humus formation in the soil are increased. Biochar can increase the fertility and biodiversity of depleted and dry soils due to better nutrient retention and improves water quality and quantity. This helps protect the groundwater because nutrients do not seep away. In addition, nitrous oxide emissions and associated nitrogen loss are reduced.
Biochar as a feed additive
Biochar can be fed to animals, which leads to a cascade effect.
As a feed supplement, biochar binds pollutants in the digestive tract, strengthens the microbiome and thereby improves the immune system of animals. This reduces the production of methane by cows and facilitates their digestion. Feeding biochar also reduces cell counts in the milk.
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The effects are threefold:
Physical
Due to its large macroscopic surface, biochar improves the structure of the soil and thereby significantly increases its water retention capacity. It improves the exchange of gases in the soil, which improves soil climate. The structure of the soil is preserved in the long term and soil compaction is avoided.
Chemical
Protein complexes in agricultural residues such as cocoa shells provide biochar with a particularly large number of negatively charged docking stations for cations. It provides a wide range of trace elements such as magnesium, selenium, manganese, etc. In the past, with the use of mineral fertilisers, these were often ignored despite their importance for the microbiology of the soil and healthy plant growth.
Biological
However, its benefits work not only in the soil, but wherever biology plays a role. It also supports the healthy intestinal flora of animals and thus strengthens their immune system and health.
Qualitative advantages:
Physical
- Improvement of the gas exchange for a better soil climate
- The structure of the biochar and the soil is permanently preserved
- Compaction of the soil is permanently counteracted
- Very high water retention capacity
Chemical
- High cation exchange capacity, which allows the plant to improve uptake of nutrients
- Improved storage of nitrogen compounds, which reduces the premature loss of nitrogen in the soil after rainfall
- Immobilisation of heavy metals in the soil
Biological
- Particularly high conductivity for the microorganism activity
- Broad nutrient distribution with trace elements
- Highest quality standards in production (GMP+ and EBC)
- A wide range of trace elements such as magnesium, selenium, manganese and more for microbiology in the soil and healthy plant growth
- Colonisation surface for micro-organisms
Production of biochar from organic waste
We use organic residues for producing biochar and are thereby transforming it into a natural sink of CO2. At the same time, our technology generates renewable energy from the same waste material.
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Sequestering and reducing CO2
The circular carbon cycle closes open material flows, reduces CO2 emissions and captures CO2 from the atmosphere. At the same time, we supply our customers with climate-neutral energy.
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