Scientists are calling a new innovation in organic waste the “black gold” for agriculture. “Biochar” is a charcoal-like substance made from organic waste – raw material from any forest, agricultural or animal waste, such as woodchips, corn husks, peanut shells and chicken manure.
The machine is located on the University of Georgia campus and is operated by a group of scientists working on alternative ways to reuse recycled carbon. Research engineer Brian Bibens explains the machine’s inner-workings to CNN.
The scientists feed the waste, or “biomass,” into an octagon-shaped metal barrel. The waste is then cooked through a thermochemical process called “pyrolysis” under intense heat that reaches above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The organic trash is then converted into a charcoal-like material suitable for fertilizer for farmers. Scientists say the gasses emitted can be utilized to fuel vehicles and power electric generators.
Biochar is considered to be of high value for the environment because of its high carbon content and porous material which acts as a natural carbon sink and helps soil retain water, nutrients, protect soil microbes and eventually increase crop yields.
Biochar is a part ongoing scientific experiments to find solutions to big environmental problems such as energy, food production and climate change.
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