Biochar in forestry
Coordinator: Kjersti Holt Hanssen, , NIBIO
Report: Biochar in forestry. Status in the Nordic-Baltic countries
Biochar is charred material formed by pyrolysis of organic materials and has a range of applications. In addition to improving soil physical and chemical properties and plant growth, biochar is a promising negative emission technology for storing carbon in soils, as it is very resistant to degradation.
Most biochar studies have so far been conducted on agricultural soils. However, in countries with large forested areas, the use of biochar for soil amendment and climate mitigation in forests are equally relevant. Biochar has been found to increase tree growth markedly in both pot experiments and, recently, also in young forest. Other studies have shown that biochar may be used as a growth medium in forest nurseries, potentially reducing the use of peat.
Research on the use of biochar in forestry has started to develop in the Nordic-Baltic countries. Present projects are looking into the effects on forest and seedling growth, soil carbon stores, soil respiration, nutrient cycling, leaching and biodiversity. Additionally, production of biochar and biochar fertilizer products is developing in several of the countries.
In this new and emerging field of research and development, there is a need for networking and cooperation across the Nordic-Baltic countries. Bringing stakeholders and researchers together through the SNS network will help securing safe and sound production and use of biochar and important knowledge exchange.
Planned activities in 2022:
- A workshop in Norway in early summer, to exchange knowledge on research and development within this field in the Nordic-Baltic countries.
- Establish a database on field and lab experiments using biochar in forestry in the Nordic-Baltic countries as well as in other parts of the boreal forest zone.
- Produce a report on the status of biochar in forestry in the Nordic-Baltic countries today, including biochar production facilities and use, potential benefits and drawbacks, ongoing research and future research questions.
- An application draft on the effects of applying biochar in forests.