The analysis of integrating a pyrolysis biochar system within a working arable farm
- Key Staff:
- Timescale:
- December 2008 to November
- Funding:
- Research Council
This PhD project seeks to quantify the economic and energetic potential of biochar at farm scale. The Scottish government is seeking to achieve major reductions in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Scotland. Emissions from agriculture have to be reduced by between 34% and 42% of 2006 levels by 2020. Issues of resource use are increasingly impacting upon the economic, political and environmental sustainability of agricultural businesses in the light of rapidly rising fuel costs and increased consumer awareness of sustainability issues. The world will increasingly depend on renewable energy with low or zero net GHG emissions. On the farm co-production of biochar and power to mitigate net GHG emissions, raising agricultural productivity and reducing the use of mineral fertilisers is potentially one solution that could help meet these challenges.