Organic Carbon Capture
Organic carbon capture refers to the process of removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere by storing it in organic matter such as plants, trees, and soil. This is done through the process of photosynthesis, in which plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and use it to grow. Organic carbon capture can help to sequester, or store, large amounts of carbon in the form of plant biomass, which can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Biochar is a form of charcoal that is made by heating organic matter, such as wood, agricultural waste, or other biomass, in the absence of oxygen. The process of creating biochar is known as pyrolysis. This process converts the organic matter into a highly porous, carbon-rich material that can be used as a soil amendment.
​
One of the key ways in which biochar can help with organic carbon capture is by improving the soil's ability to store carbon. When biochar is added to soil, it creates small, stable pockets of carbon that can be stored for long periods of time. This is because the high-porosity structure of biochar acts as a "sponge" for carbon, and the carbon in biochar is resistant to decomposition. This means that the carbon stored in biochar is less likely to be released back into the atmosphere as CO2, helping to mitigate climate change.