TY - BOOK
T1 - Biochar as an agrifood innovation
T2 - evidence and lessons for integration into agricultural landscapes
AU - Somorin, Tosin
AU - Akanno, Chukwuebuka
AU - Osei-Amponsah, Charity
AU - Gebrezgabher, Solomie
AU - Mupangwa, Walter
AU - Adamtey, Noah
AU - Nartey, Eric G.
AU - Lord, Richard
AU - Ennis, Chris
AU - Zhang, Xiaolei
AU - Fletcher, Ashleigh
AU - Lue, Leo
AU - Li, Jun
PY - 2026/1/21
Y1 - 2026/1/21
N2 - This report examines biochar as an agrifood innovation within circular bioeconomy and multifunctional landscape frameworks, with a focus on its relevance for smallholder agriculture in the Global South. Produced from organic residues through thermochemical processes, biochar offers a pathway to restore degraded soils, valorize waste, and support climate mitigation and adaptation. Evidence shows that biochar can improve soil structure, nutrient retention, and water-holding capacity, enhancing crop resilience in sandy and drought-prone environments while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. However, its effectiveness is highly context-dependent. Outcomes vary with feedstock quality, production technology, soil conditions, and application practices. Risks include inconsistent agronomic performance, potential contamination, feedstock competition, and uncertain climate benefits when full life-cycle impacts are overlooked. Slow pyrolysis is the most suitable option for low-cost, rural settings, while advanced technologies remain less accessible. Biochar is therefore neither a silver bullet nor a flawed concept, but a promising tool whose benefits depend on careful design, regulation, and integration into locally appropriate, inclusive systems.
AB - This report examines biochar as an agrifood innovation within circular bioeconomy and multifunctional landscape frameworks, with a focus on its relevance for smallholder agriculture in the Global South. Produced from organic residues through thermochemical processes, biochar offers a pathway to restore degraded soils, valorize waste, and support climate mitigation and adaptation. Evidence shows that biochar can improve soil structure, nutrient retention, and water-holding capacity, enhancing crop resilience in sandy and drought-prone environments while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. However, its effectiveness is highly context-dependent. Outcomes vary with feedstock quality, production technology, soil conditions, and application practices. Risks include inconsistent agronomic performance, potential contamination, feedstock competition, and uncertain climate benefits when full life-cycle impacts are overlooked. Slow pyrolysis is the most suitable option for low-cost, rural settings, while advanced technologies remain less accessible. Biochar is therefore neither a silver bullet nor a flawed concept, but a promising tool whose benefits depend on careful design, regulation, and integration into locally appropriate, inclusive systems.
U2 - 10.5337/2025.253
DO - 10.5337/2025.253
M3 - Commissioned report
T3 - Resource Recovery and Reuse Series
BT - Biochar as an agrifood innovation
PB - International Water Management Institute
CY - Colombo
ER -