Project number: LUC24045
Project title: The untapped potential of biochar for carbon mitigation
Provider: The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
Programme: InterExcellence, INTER-COST
Project coordinator: CZU
Project leader: doc. Mgr. Lukáš Trakal, Ph.D.
Contact person: Ing. Hana Jenšíková
Project schedule: 9/2024 – 9/2026
Total project budget: 8 798 816 Kč
Abstract:
The project evaluates, compares, and currently quantifies the untapped potential of selected biochar types as a nature-based solution for effective and long-term carbon sequestration in soil while subsequently reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The investigation focuses on three distinct source waste materials: i) crop residues, ii) wood chips, and iii) animal bones from livestock production. Those will be applied to two different environments (arable land and wetland ecosystem). Project activities are divided into three experimental stages, starting with laboratory column experiments, progressing to quasi-realistic (full-controlled field condition) testing, and concluding with field verification. A separate final stage is dedicated to technical-economic and LCA analysis. Project coordination, communication, and dissemination of project results will occur throughout the project duration in a dedicated stage no. 5. In the first stage, individual biochar types will be characterized through laboratory column experiments. The results of control laboratory tests will assess their ability to reduce carbon emissions and leaching from arable soil and wetland systems. Simultaneously, optimal application dosages will be identified, and the "tipping point" – where more biochar additions to the soil no longer provide additional benefits – will be determined. The second and third steps (stages) involve verifying the results through controlled outdoor experiments under quasi-realistic conditions and real operational conditions, respectively, in both mentioned ecosystems, i.e., arable soil vs. wetland ecosystem. Data obtained from the three-stage experiments will undergo a techno-economic and LCA analysis of biochar utilization in both selected environments in close collaboration with COST Action partners. In addition to scientific exploration, emphasis will be placed on sharing results within the international scientific community, with COST partners and with other stakeholders such as farmers, land managers, policymakers, and manufacturers. Various dissemination and communication activities and channels, including open-access scientific publications, leaflets, and workshops, will be utilized to spread the knowledge and provide further recommendations. The project adheres to the principles of open science, including open data, with wide dissemination leveraging the extensive membership base of the V4 Biochar Platform, European Biochar Industry, and International Biochar Initiative, of which the project team is an active member. The success of the project and the achievement of its goals rely on active collaboration with international partners from the COST CA 21127 TrANsMIT initiative in all project phases.