Germany- Biochar

Type of grass:

Wetland grasses

Process:

Pyrolysis

Products:

Biochar

The German demo site at Nationalpark Unteres Odertal converts low nutritional quality grass from the wetlands into biochar. By implementing a first complete processing line, the grass is transformed into biochar by pyrolysis.

During the pyrolysis in addition to the solid biochar product large amounts of energy are being released. This heat may be used as a source of heat and substitute fossil fuels, making farmers more energy self-sufficient.

The biochar can be used on agricultural farmland. It can increase the water holding capacity as well as the carbon and nutrient content of the soil. Thus, biochar can enhance the soil quality and substitute mineral fertilisers. The high carbon content of biochar has the additional benefit of sequestering carbon in the soil and thus providing a negative emissions technology.

The production of biochar from grass can provide a multitude of benefits including soil enhancement, a highly beneficial carbon footprint and substitution to fossil fuels.