How can we restore soil health, while locking away ever greater quantities of atmospheric CO2? An ancient method rediscovered in Amazonian soils has led to a proliferation of research over the last few decades. ‘Biochar’ is complex enough to satisfy the nerdiest soil scientists, yet basic enough that it can scale from back yard production to city-wide waste management strategies. Biochar can help retain and improve water quality, increase soil health, and improve plant health. We’ll be coming back to the topic over the coming months, speaking with a variety of people engaged in research and application.
In this episode Designers of Paradise host Erik van Lennep talks with Kathleen Draper, the US Director at Ithaka Institute for Carbon Intelligence. She describes her enthusiasm for biochar, including what it is, why it matters, and what you can do with (turns out “lot’s of things!).
Erik and Kathleen talk about ways home gardeners can use biochar (e.g., using invasive species as the material for making charcoal), how it is being used in a variety of countries including to improve food security in China, and where you can learn more.
Watch for her new book coming out in early 2019.
Resources:
- Ithaka Institute for Carbon Intelligence
- International Biochar initiative
- USBI Biochar 2019 (July 1-3, 2019 Fort Collins, Colorado)
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