All biochar is not created equal

Biochar is biochar. Nothing could be further from the truth. The qualities of biochar can be determined based upon the type of process used to manufacture it, the feedstock it originates from and many more variables.

Some cheerleaders for biochar tell us it is the substance that will save the planet through the restoration of our soil that is being over farmed. Areas suffering from drought need the moisture retention of biochar to preserve every drop of water possible, and the nutrient retention it offers as well. The biochar most suitable for agricultural use comes from woody or cellulosic material like tree trimmings and forest residuals.

The key number for this biochar that basically comes from heating up the feedstock like wood (biomass) to a temperature high enough to turn it into a charcoal like substance, which gives it a certain level of carbon...the higher the temperature the higher the carbon count. For agricultural use we look for a carbon level of at least "70".

REM blends biochar with poultry manure to create an organic pellet that can be applied to specialty or row crops that helps with retaining moisture and nutrients, but also delivers nitorogen and other nutrients needed. The pelletizing of the fertilizer allows for a slower release than just applying raw manure on the fields, and reduces the chance of leaching and runoff of the raw manure into water systems.

The new year brings two types of carbon credits to farmers/growers, which if handled properly, could mean they receive enough to pay for the manure pellets. The two programs will be administered and managed by the Black Rooster Organics (BRO) ag advisory team, working with BRO customers for the 2024 season in the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. More information is available at www.blackroosterorganics.com

Another important use of biochar will be in manufacturing. Testing is now underway with global companies to explore the use of high-carbon biochar, treated with an REM proprietary process, to provide a sustainable substitute for graphene, along with mined and toxic materials, in paints/coatings as well as cement. This high-level biochar will originate from REM sustainable energy production facilities, which produce this product as a co-product in the production of renewable energy. The feedstock going in is waste materials that would otherwise be going to a landfill. The carbon level for this product is above 85 before it is reformed with the REM process.

The REM team has developed a proprietary line of scaled down manure pellet and biochar production units to locate production closer to feedstock, reducing transportation and total capital costs. The final REM mission is to improve the growing potential of our soil, while reducing the need for toxic chemical commercial fertilizers. Improving the air quality for chickens and humans will be another benefit as well.

Eventually the REM goal is to create transportation and housing products completely from waste ingredients. We will begin with paint, coatings and other building products and go from there. Ideally the day will come where we can demolish a structure when needed and bury it on the spot...returning the building materials organically to the earth.

Biochar is the beginning of this REM mission...focusing on what we grow and what we build.

For more information contact robert@remventures.com