This is where biochar comes in. While carbon products have been used for decades to clean up spills and contaminants, using charcoal in composting has been largely ignored. In many cases in the past, carbon was just too expensive. With newer, less expensive sources, it can now provide a lower cost option.
Biochar for composting operations CONTACT US
To determine if biochar is right for your compost operation, you will need to figure out what works best with your specific set of feedstocks. For instance: Do you have extra liquid to deal with, materials that can go anaerobic quickly, or high levels of oils or grease? Do you need to stabilize and deodorize materials as they come in? Is your site in a pinch to get materials processed faster, so you can take on that next contract? All of these factors determine the cost effectiveness of adding biochar to your operation.
Research shows that composting with biochar can…
When added in at anywhere from 5-20% (by volume), biochar
- Accelerates the composting process
- Reduces nitrogen loss
- Reduces GHG emissions
- Reduces ammonia
- Reduces odor
- Eliminates most toxic organic compounds, pathogens and pests
As the compost cures, the pore space in biochar allows the compost to hold much higher populations of beneficial microorganisms. These benefits create higher quality compost, with better nutrients and higher value when you put it out for sale.