2016 Fall Meeting

December 12-16

Sustainable production and application of biochar can promote carbon sequestration and may be a valuable adaptation strategy to combat climate change. This ancient practice typically involves the pyrolysis of organic waste into soil enhancers with potential to improve soil health, reduce nutrient leaching, improve crop productivity, and boost food security. Biochar production is one of the few technologies that are proven to be widely applicable and quickly scalable. Advances in biochar research and development have been astounding over the past few years; an increase in the number of reports and scientific articles is a testament of its potential and constraints. As more and more biochar products are emerging onto the global market, the debate of the efficacy of these materials in both environmental and agronomic applications continues. The American Geophysical Union is a perfect platform for researchers and regulators alike to address the question, “Is black truly the new green?”