Biochar markets continue to grow in North America creating new opportunities to convert wood and agricultural residues to sustainable carbon while restoring soil health and improving water quality. More than 135 US companies supply an estimated 50,000 tons of biochar per year. Suppliers source biochars from the wood industry, bioenergy plants, and biochar producers. New product development is supported by increased research. New uses such as wallboard, cement, packaging, and electronics have increased the potential to sequester carbon by converting residues to biochar and renewable energy. The Southwest offers unique opportunities to produce biochars from hazardous forest fuels, urban and agricultural residues. This presentation will describe new efforts to use biochar to improve soil health; restore degraded urban soils and abandoned mine lands; reduce water pollution from pharmaceuticals and fertilizers; remove nutrients, metals and bacteria from stormwater; and develop market platforms which value biochar for sequestering carbon.

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