The production and application of biochar in soils

: This chapter includes a short history of biochar use over thousands of years. Biochar properties are mainly dependent on chemical and physical properties of feedstock and final heat treatment temperature. Once added to soil these properties change in complex ways that depend on environmental factors, soil properties and the types of crops grown. Different technologies are used to make biochar in the household, in rural industries, and in large scale modern industrial settings. The simplest designs made from mud and brick and/or sheet metal to more sophisticated ones being developed and commercialized in Europe, the Americas and Asia are discussed. The world market for biochar, development constraints as well as the future direction of the industry are presented.