Here’s what Australian farmers need to know about it.
What is Biochar?
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced when organic waste – in our case, timber waste – is heated in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. The result is a stable, porous carbon material that doesn’t break down in soil the way organic matter does. It stays there, working, for centuries.
At Roundwood Solutions’ Tantanoola facility, timber waste from our treatment process feeds the gasifier, which produces Biochar as part of our circular operation. The same process that creates Biochar also powers our timber steaming operations. Nothing is wasted.
What does Biochar do for soil?
The benefits of Biochar in Australian agricultural soils are well-documented:
- Improves soil structure and aeration – the porous structure of Biochar creates habitat for soil microbes and improves drainage in clay-heavy soils
- Retains water and nutrients – Biochar holds water and nutrients in the soil profile, reducing leaching and improving their availability to plants
- Reduces fertiliser requirements – as soil biology improves and nutrient retention increases, fertiliser inputs can be reduced over time
- Enhances microbial activity – Biochar supports the soil biology that drives long-term soil health
- Sequesters carbon for centuries – carbon locked into Biochar stays in the soil, contributing to long-term carbon sequestration
Why is it particularly relevant for Australian conditions?
Australian agricultural soils – particularly in dryland farming regions – face significant challenges with water retention, fertility, and carbon content. Many Australian soils are sandy, low in organic matter, and prone to nutrient leaching.
Biochar addresses these challenges directly. Trials in Australian conditions have shown measurable improvements in water-holding capacity, reduced fertiliser requirements, and improved crop and pasture performance. For graziers, the implications for pasture productivity and drought resilience are significant.
Biochar and carbon credits
Biochar doesn’t just improve soil – it sequesters carbon in a measurable, verifiable way. Unlike forestry offsets, Biochar carbon doesn’t burn. Unlike soil carbon, it doesn’t reverse when conditions change. It is one of the most durable forms of carbon removal available.
Roundwood Solutions has achieved Puro.earth pre-assessment – a key step toward generating verified CO₂ Reduction Certificates (CORCs) from our Biochar production. Once fully verified, each tonne of Biochar produced is expected to generate multiple CORCs, each representing one tonne of permanently sequestered CO₂.
Biochar from Roundwood Solutions is produced at our Tantanoola facility. Contact us to discuss availability and applications for your operation.
The circular story
Timber waste feeds the gasifier. The gasifier powers our steaming. The Biochar regenerates the soil. The loop is closed.
Timber waste from South Australia’s green triangle becomes Biochar that goes back into Australian soil. At Roundwood Solutions, nothing leaves the loop.
Forest to the Floor. Good for the Soil. Great for the Environment.
Contact us at sales@roundwoodsolutions.com.au to enquire about Biochar availability