Bulletin Board

Looking for a Job in Biochar?

Biochar Gardens Photos on Flickr

Biochar Gardens is a place for farmers and gardeners to post pictures of their gardens, farms, containers, and greenhouses that use soil amendments based on biochar. Please share pictures of your garden at all stages of growth, from preparing your soil to harvesting. You can indicate how you would like to share your photos and if you like, leave contact information so that potential users can get your permission to use your photos in their publications. Please note that this is not a program of IBI and IBI does not endorse any specific methods shown in the photos.

January 2010: Looking for a Source of Biochar in Wisconsin/Michigan United States

Kevin McDonough is hoping to find someone that is selling biochar eventually in Michigan or northern Wisconsin.  Also, a source of a reasonably priced retort is of interest as well.

Please respond to Kevin directly

October 2009: Looking for Offers to Build a Fast Pyrolysis Plant in Eastern Germany

From: Graf zu Muenster, Germany: I am interested in obtaining offers to build a series of fast pyrolysis plants producing bio-char as well as bio-oil in eastern Germany. The plant size should be up to 100 met tons/day. As an alternative to a direct offer, a joint venture could also be possible. Please note that in addition to this request, I am also interested in mobile units, should there be any available.

Please respond to Graf zu Muenster

August 2009: Climate Ride NY to DC--Opportunity for US Individuals to Contact Congressional Members/Staff

I'm Jerry Scharf and I am doing the climate ride next month. The ride ends up in D.C. with some meetings with congressional staff. After the Boulder conference, I thought this would be a great opportunity to try and help the biochar cause along. I am offering to deliver in person letters from you to your congress members (staff.) What I am asking that the letters be kept to a reasonable length. If they get too long (beyond 2 pages) I won't accept it because it will be too much for me. With a good response, I am going to have thousands of letters to deliver (3 per submitted letter.) I hope this will be in time to get to the senators as the two biochar related bills that Debbie mentioned are out there.

Remember to indicate your representative and put your name, city and state at the bottom. If you want to go out and get neighbors to add their names to the letter, all the better. Remember that this is less about educating than proving there are some voters that care. The impact of delivering these by hand is that they came from voters. I have created a special mailbox for this, please send letters to crletters@lagunawayconsulting.com.

If you are interested in the climate ride, check out www.climateride.org (you can also donate to my fundraising for the ride).

I will be bringing one of Nathaniel Mulcahy's backpacking biochar stoves along on the ride and talking about biochar with anyone who will let me bend their ear.

warmly,
Jerry

August 2009: SeaChar Initiative for Biochar in Central America

For those of you who don't know, SeaChar, or the Seattle Biochar Working Group, is a recently established not-for-profit. Among other projects, we have begun a partnership with Agros International to bring biochar into their Central American communities as part of an integrated development package. In early August Scott Eaton of SeaChar took a portable stove to Nicaragua.  Click here to read more about this project with updates and photos.

May 2009: Looking for Biochar in Singapore

I live in Singapore (70miles north of the equator) and miss my old temperate vegetables.  Recently a friend who is a botany phd from NUS told me he had heard that there is a researcher in Singapore growing strawberries using Biochar, and someone in Malaysia growing apples using Biochar.  He even said he'd heard of a company somewhere in Singapore that will sell Biochar.  If you have any information, please contact me. 
Michael Slater (michael.slater@gmail.com  phone  +65 9620 2930)

March 2009: Looking for Biochar in Maine, US

Researchers in Maine have recently received the good news that they were awarded a small grant from the USDA – farmer grants program to conduct some basic research on biochar, its effects on the growth of different crops and on soil fertility.  They want to compare two different application rates, with a control plot alongside with no biochar. Soil tests will be taken before and after, and the crop of soybeans and corn weighed and brixed. Now unfortunately, they are finding that it has become a challenge to get enough material for their test plots. The project site is located in mid-coastal Maine.  They need 2000lb of granulated char, and would need it by the end of May. As far as its preferred qualities, they are looking for product from a relatively slow pyrolysis process (retains some of the bio-oil) that has a low volatile matter content and with minimum ash. Any help in located a good source of biochar would be appreciated.

Ron Poitras
ronpoitras@hughes.net

March 2009: Biochar in Central Park, NYC?

We were wondering if anybody associated with the Central Park Conservancy, or any of the NYC parks organizations has considered an "urban biochar" project or pilot.  If not, would anybody in the biochar community like to help get something started?  We're willing to see if we can make the connections and move things along.  Please respond to John Reaves at: jreaves@learningworldsinstitute.org

March 2009: 2 Questions on Biochar--Nutrient Release and Using Green Waste as a Feedstock

#1: I am looking for any studies on the capabilities of biochar as method of extending the release of nutrients from manure or other fast acting ferts by adding biochar to a rich slurry before spreading.  Basically a cheap home made time release with long term benefit?

#2: I am interested in setting up a green waste disposal site for my county in which garden waste, kitchen scraps, manure, and possibly animal carcasses (hunting,etc) would be sterilized through pyrolysis to produce biochar and hopefully electricity (sterling engine?) and/or other usable energy sources, is anyone doing this who is willing to share information?
Please respond to Sy Shelton at:
syshelton154@hotmail.com

March 2009: Biochar for Forestry Conservation in Western US

I am looking at biochar and its application to conservation. I work for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and am developing landscape scale conservation projects in Southeastern Oregon and SW Idaho. The principal issue is invasive plants specifically juniper encroachment which is spreading across the west at an accelerating rate. Current management practices center around burning and or producing bioenergy related products. We are launching stewardship contracts with Federal and state agencies and private landowners. There may be a significant opportunity to use biochar as a option in this conservation work. Please forward information to the address below.
Dave Torell, Land Program Manager
email: dtorell@rmef.org

March 2009: Biochar in South Africa

Looking to connect with  members, organisations, research or initiatives with biochar currently in South Africa.  I am conceptualizing socio-economic and environmental projects on behalf of a mining company, and would like to investigate the possibility of implementing some projects involving Biochar.
Klaus Piprek at klaus@deltamining.com

February 2009: Introducing 'African Journal of Food Science (AJFS)'

The African Journal of Food Science (AJFS) provides rapid publication (monthly) of articles in all areas of Food Science. The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. Papers will be published approximately one month after acceptance. All articles are peer-reviewed.  The following types of papers are considered for publication:

Original articles in basic and applied research.
Critical reviews, surveys, opinions, commentaries and essays.
Our objective is to inform authors of the decision on their manuscript(s) within four weeks of submission. Following acceptance, a paper will normally be published in the next issue.  Instruction for authors and other details are available on our website www.academicjournals.org/AJFS. Prospective authors should send their manuscript(s) to ajfs@academicjournals.org, ajfs.acadjourn@gmail.com

February 2009: Opportunity to Join Discussion List "Biochar Projects in Developing Countries"

After the Newcastle IBI conference, there was a strong desire from the participants to continue the discussions that were started there. IBI has decided that it does not have the staff to manage such an effort, but does want to encourage further discussion in the community. To that end, people have volunteered to set up some specific discussion email lists that are not directly related to IBI.

The first group to be set up is one to discuss "Biochar Projects in Developing Countries." This is a list that belongs to the community, but there are some specific ideas that we want to base these lists around. There are already several excellent general discussion biochar lists. The new lists are designed to have less traffic and more focus. While there will clearly be discussions of feedstock and equipment, these should remain related to specific projects. We want to keep the traffic to a manageable level. If there is sufficient discussion on a specific area, the community might consider making another list for those discussions.

The list is open to all but you must subscribe before posting. The mailing list is bcprojects-dc@lists.greenpyro.com.  To subscribe, send mail to bcprojects-dc-requests@lists.greenpyro.com with the body of the message containing the single word subscribe. You will receive a return email to confirm your subscription. Once that is done, you will receive a welcome email and you are ready to go. You can also subscribe by going to http://esrv1.greenpyro.com/lists/mm/listinfo/charprojects-dc and filling out the web form. This is also where the list archives are found.

We are also working on a wiki to be attached to the mailing list. This will provide a better mechanism for posting pictures and other larger information.

Jerry Scharf
GreenPyro   Pioneering Carbon Negative, Sustainable Electricity

Jan 2009: Research PhD Opportunity in Italy

Giorgio Alberti from the University of Udine, Italy:  We are preparing a national research project proposal (FIRB) on the use of biochar in agriculture (we are interested in production aspects, characterization, physical and chemical properties, stability, influence on soil properties, microbes and plant production, soil CO2 and N2O fluxes).

The research proposal has to be submitted to the Italian Ministry for Research and is reserved for a young PhD (less than 32 years old) who, in case of success, will have a contract as young scientist for three years with all related benefits.  We are seeking a high motiveted Phd less than 32 years old to be in charge of one of the reserach units (the others are already covered), with EU nationality, who would like to work on this topic (in particular we need for someone that would consider the characterization aspects or the influence on soil properties) and who may be available to work in Firenze at the CNR-Ibimet (dr Franco Miglietta) for 3 years if the project is granted.

He/she will involved in all the steps of the project proposal preparation. The deadline for the proposal submission is February 27, 2009, thus the deadline to contact me is ASAP or not later than February 10, 2009.
Any potential candidate may contact me directly by email giorgio.alberti@uniud.it.

Jan 2009: Request for Biochar Donation for High School Trials

Trying to educate my students about BioChar. I want THEM to run an experiment using BioCHar in soil used to grow strawberries. Results will be in "Mass of strawberries" grown in topsoil with biochar compared to "Mass of strawberries" grown in topsoil.  How may I get a small amount of biochar for this research? I would love to make public our research.

David Snyder
dsnyder@shp.org
Seton Hall Prep School
West Orange, NJ

Jan 2009: Call for Ideas: Biochar and Olive Production

Olive trees residues originating from pruning are a problem in the large plantations of Southern Italy and, I guess, in other Mediterranean countries. Farmers are no longer allowed to burn those residues and incorporation into soils is expensive and not really rewarding. ITABI, the Italian Biochar Initiative, is considering to approach this issue, starting new research on the beneficial effects of biochar on yields and quality.

This message is an informal and preliminary "Call for Ideas" to the biochar community. ITABI is seeking for suggestions/proposals that may contribute towards the design and subsequent implementation of a sustainable biochar option for olive production areas: in particular we are looking for ideas concerning the most suitable and affordable "residue management and charring system" that can combine together charcoal, energy and/or heat production.  The best ideas will eventually form the "core" of a collaborative proposal to be submitted to different public bodies, for funding.Everybody may send his views, comments, ideas or even commercial quotes to the following address: s.baronti@ibimet.cnr.it

ITABI will acknowledge all inputs and will consider carefully confidentiality or non-disclosure requests associated to those input. ITABI Secretariat (Silvia Baronti)

Jan 2009: Looking for a Solar-powered Biochar Maker

I'm looking for a solar powered biochar maker; an oven /kiln for individual backyard use.  If such a 'device' does not exist I'd be happy to hear suggestions of people/groups/companies who might be interested in developing one.

Please contact Richard Winkler at rwink5@curiouspictures.com

Jan 2009: California Energy Commission looking for carbon sequestration biochar research projects in CA

The CEC currently has an initiative to fund projects that research C sequestration in soil as a potential C offset to be purchased by electrical utilities under new climate change regulations that cap emissions.  We are specifically interested in a research project that would give a full accounting of GHG emissions (N2O, CH4) from California soils with biochar amendments, versus those with no amendments.

Any public or private entity that is doing research on biochar amendments in California soils can contact Sarah Pittiglio at spittigl@energy.state.ca.us.

Announcing Project Rainbow Bee Eater, Australia

Project Rainbow Bee Eater, a consortium of farmers, scientists and engineers has claimed the Australian Government’s White Paper which provides the policy framework for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme has not recognized the potential for rapid, very large scale and permanent bio-sequestration of inorganic carbon by excluding biochar. Press Release--Project Rainbow Bee Eater

Project Opportunity in Portugal: Company Looking for Technology Providers

We are a company working with woody biomass and currently looking to invest in a bio-oil/bio-char project in Portugal. If your company has technology on pyrolysis or other relevant equipment, please feel free to contact us via the following e-mail: carlosamaralnetto@gmail.com.

Biochar experiments in Brazil

Respond to: may.waddington@gmail.com

My name is May Waddington, and I am a PhD anthropologist. I have worked in the Amazon for many years with an indigenous tribe, and in Northeast Brazil with traditional groups such as the babassu women and andiroba women. Over the last 4 years I made a major turn on my life, leaving Rio de Janeiro, purchasing 400 hectares of land in a region which is a mixture of caatinga and cerrado, the Buriti Doce farm. I am employed at a small state college nearby.

I have been running a series of agro-ecological experiments in this land. In preparing to plant 10 hectares of bixa orellana  and pineapple, we tested some slash and burn practices which are considered less harming (queimada de toco vivo). This technique, includes several security measures, selected trees are cut in a way they will re-grow, and the most wood is saved for other uses. We made 20 traditional ovens to produce charcoal in the area, which burned for a week or so (see pictures - the wood is covered in earth with an opening on each end of the caeira).

I would like to volunteer the farm as an experimental area for anyone who may wish to study this production in this climate/soil conditions.

The innovation was accompanied by the IBAMA (National environmental agency) and was used to teach local farmers. It resulted in some 1000 kg of charcoal, which I have been resisting to sell

As you must know, the State of Piauí is pioneering biodiesel production, and there are major plants in the neighbouring states which could also be developed as part of the project.

Although I m new in the region, we could approach the Agronomy department of the Federal university of Piauí to see if we can find a soils specialist to invite

Biochar in Mexico

Respond to Kyle Young at: katbambu@hotmail.com

I live in Arizona and work in Sonora, Mexico with the Fundacion Apoyo del Infantil (The Save the Children Foundation) on agricultural projects involving bamboo. Iv'e not come across any information regarding the water retaining capacity of biochar. It seems the porosity of biochar would aid in retaining water in the soil for a longer period. Is this true? I'm also interested in using bamboo (the fastest growing woody plant on earth) to make biochar.

My project is to use ancient celtic earthen oven designs that recycle smoke into the combustion chamber for complete combustion (needing no chimney) to create biochar using the direct method. Any thoughts on that? These ovens can be made from local clayish soils by anyone with some rudimentary masonry skills and knowledge of the ovens mathematical configuration.

From Michael Moore looking for others working in Nicaragua and Costa Rica on Biochar

Reply to: mmoore@mtu.edu

I am working with two small farms in Southeastern Nicaragua, near San Carlos, and the people I work with are increasingly interested in biochar materials and projects. I've been able to do research and collect material resources here in the U.S., and would like to make contact with others working in Nicaragua or Costa Rica. I like very much the Sustainable Harvest International model, further down this IBI Projects page, and will be contacting them, too.

Research-wise, my work involves the social and cultural aspects of these kinds of collaborations, including various forms of action research and collaborative ethnographies. I'm interested in the roles that the social sciences, liberal arts, and humanities disciplines might play in sustainability broadly, and carbon-negative projects such as biochar in particular.