Missed MPI funding opportunity?

The Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change (SLMACC) research programme… http://www.mpi.govt.nz/environment-natural-resources/funding-programmes/slmacc-research-programme Theme 2: Mitigation of agricultural and forestry greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions Theme 2 specifically lists biochar and soil carbon as appropriate research themes. I have an inquiry placed with … Continue reading

Biochar producers page

We have been getting inquiries for biochar – mainly from gardeners wanting to experiment. As interest grows, demand for larger quantities should follow for commercial application trials. If you are producing biochar in NZ and you are able to share some of your production with gardeners or researchers, then please get in touch.

As the market for biochar matures, we should develop some principles and guidelines for sustainable and safe biochar production, post-treatment and application. The easiest path for now may be to follow IBI, European or other international production / testing guidelines.

We are developing a list of NZ biochar producers who may be able to provide biochar or biochar based products from direct inquires. The producers page will provide contact details and product information.

WRC Technical Support Group RFP

An opportunity here for to get biochar understanding into an expert panel.  This Waikato river quality program should be well funded and should include support for biochar nutrient management research. My June posts are probably connected with this new initiative… … Continue reading

Introducing Myself

It’s great to see this website coming together. I welcome the communication with biochar enthusiasts world-wide, and especially the opportunity to connect with the research and practical activity taking place in NZ. I first learned about biochar from Albert Bates … Continue reading

Overseer and biochar

How will the application of biochar in NZ soils affect nutrient flows in farming and agriculture systems? How would these changes affect the assumptions used in Overseer? Maybe after further research in NZ on nutrient retention and the environment benefits … Continue reading