India: Dr Reddy Bio-char on CNN

Added 1/11/2010. The approach used here has elements that I can really appreciate.

Composted biochar. The compost process assures that the biochar is seasoned and inoculated prior to application, and I am persuaded that both are important to achieving the biological effects we ask of biochar. Compost-plus-biochar assures that the soil receives organic carbon with a full and balanced spectrum of recalcitrance, vital to dynamic soil health. Recognizing the importance of compost assures that not every bit of organic waste is going to be diverted to pyrolysis, just the more appropriate portion. Composting biochar also discourages the diversion of biochar to use as a fuel by strangers to biochar.

Mulch. On the lists we used to have long discussions about depth of incorporation. But in my experience the most natural way to use biochar compost is to mulch around the young plants. Incorporation, which brings other benefits, will happen in due course.

Efficient, clean burning cooking stoves. These designs demand a fraction of the wood supply needed by a three-stone hearth. Adopted en masse this can have a huge effect on a number of health, fuel and local environmental issues. The downside is that as inexpensive as these stoves are, I suspect they are beyond the reach of the common family budget in India. Considering the great good that they promise, I would hope that means of local manufacture could be adopted. There are many designs and materials that cna be used in this effort.

Sustainability. The reduction in agricultural chemical use is clearly an important point.  Indian farmers have not been able to generate the income needed to pay for the chemicals necessary to have a marketable crop.  That reality has put farming as a way of life in India at the brink of financial survival.  Biochar offers the hope of sustainability that the industrial agricultural complex has failed to provide.  At the end of the video there is a stated intent to fully utilize the locally generated agricultural and household waste streams. It comes with what I take is an unstated recognition that the benefits of biochar are not worth denuding the hills and forests for, not worth doing if it is not sustainable.

Added 1/12/2010.

Control Plots. Even simple comparative control is valuable, strongly encouraged and great to see. Results aren't always going to be in terms of increased yield but certainly that is to be hoped for. The healthier plants, less chemicals needed, and more flowering, being reported informally here are all powerful observations in support of biochar. For more formal results, see this recent report from Cameroon.

Striving for Efficient Pyrolysis. Although it is not mentioned in the video, the intent to improve efficiency is noted in the source article.  I know from his participation in other discussions that Dr. Reddy will seek a system, such as an Adam Retort, that not improve yield efficiency, but also consume the methane and nitrous oxide, both potent green-house-gases.