Biochar technology shows great promise in regenerative agriculture, mitigating climate change and improving soil quality, as well as reducing waste and producing energy as a byproduct. But what exactly is biochar and what is it made of? Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that’s made by burning organic material from agricultural and forestry wastes (also called biomass) in an oxygen and temperature controlled process called pyrolysis. During the pyrolysis process, the organic material is converted into biochar, a form of stable carbon, while dramatically reducing off-gassing of CO2 and pollutants. This process can potentially remove a billion tons of carbon annually from the atmosphere and sequester it in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years, where it’s most beneficial. 

At MPI, we are conducting a number of field trials which are designed to investigate the impacts of biochar addition to our vineyard soils.  This evolution has gained momentum with a California moratorium on agricultural burning for 2022, since the process of pyrolysis eliminates release of CO2, particulates, and other gases into the air during burning. The idea of turning pulled vineyards and orchards into biochar which then goes back into the soil to increase its productivity is gaining momentum as people learn about the benefits of biochar.   So far, our trial results have echoed those in the scientific literature, showing increased soil health, increased water use and nutrient uptake efficiency, enhanced vine growth and substantially increased yields, especially from application of a compost-biochar mixture. Given these positive results and the fact that we are simultaneously making real impacts in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, it is likely that biochar application to our vineyard soils will become an important part of our farming strategy going forward.