Biochar-based soil amendment for carbon sequestration and soil fertility enhancement
Innovative biochar-based soil amendment enhances carbon capture, improves soil fertility, and reduces chemical fertilizer use. Developed from local forestry and aquaculture waste, this solution boosts water retention and plant growth, aligning with climate goals.
Overview
Our biochar-based soil amendment offers a dual function of enhancing carbon sequestration and improving soil fertility. This innovative solution is crafted from local forestry and aquaculture waste and is designed to support sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical fertilizer usage and improving plant growth. Biochar's stable carbon content and porous structure make it an effective tool for long-term carbon storage in soils, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals and climate initiatives at provincial and federal levels.
Technical specifications
The biochar is produced using pyrolysis, resulting in a high carbon content of up to 83.7% and a large surface area of 330 m²/g. It is enriched with essential nutrients including NPK, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, and B, which collectively improve soil nutrient profile and water retention capacity. Laboratory tests have confirmed an increase in water-holding capacity from 46% to between 63% and 69%. The biochar is now being tested in pilot field trials to further validate its effectiveness in enhancing soil properties and supporting plant growth, with detailed monitoring of key soil and plant parameters.
Technology readiness level
This biochar technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 4. It has successfully passed laboratory testing and is undergoing pilot field trials to evaluate its performance in real-world conditions. Partnerships are sought to support further research and scale-up efforts, including hiring a postdoctoral researcher and testing a pilot-scale reactor.
About University of Prince Edward Island
UPEI is a comprehensive public university in Charlottetown with an applied, partnership‑oriented research culture. Companies engage through a 78,000‑sq‑ft engineering facility built for co‑creation and a client‑focused design‑clinic model, and through the veterinary teaching hospital’s services. The campus links to the provincial health system, including an on‑campus patient medical home and a new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre for interprofessional training and clinical translation. Research is backed by federal funding from NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, with regional support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Research Partnerships and Innovation manages IP, licensing, industry contracts, and startup pathways, and connects partners to Charlottetown’s bioscience park.
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