Introduction
B
iochar was initially linked to the
exploration and archeological study
of early human settlement and soils.
These early studies of soils being enriched
from what appears to be the deliberate mixing of burned biomass in soils around human...
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Introduction
B
iochar was initially linked to the
exploration and archeological study
of early human settlement and soils.
These early studies of soils being enriched
from what appears to be the deliberate mixing of burned biomass in soils around human
settlements helped spark more recent interest
in biochar.
These deposits of enriched soils,
known as terra preta in the Amazon region
of South America, have a fascinating history
of scientific study of their own (Lehmann et
al, 2004).
More current studies of biochar are focused
on its role in a growing demand for biomass-based energy sources that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.
For more information about
bioenergy, see the ATTRA publication
An Introduction to Bioenergy: Feedstocks,
Processes and Products.
In addition, biochar has
the potential to enhance soil quality and soil
carbon sequestration.
For more information
about carbon sequestration, see the ATTRA
publication Agriculture, Climate Change and
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