The report, titled ‘Biochar—Implications for agricultural productivity’, examines the potential applications, benefits and risks of biochar as well as the research required to determine its productivity and sustainability potential.

ABARES acting deputy executive director, Dr Kim Ritman, said research to date has been positive, but further investigations are needed before widespread use of biochar in Australian farming can be recommended.

“Research indicates that biochar could significantly improve the productivity of some Australian agricultural soils and reduce fertiliser-derived greenhouse gas emissions,” said Dr Ritman.

“While it is not yet clear which feedstocks will be most suitable for production of biochar for addition to soils, research has determined the general conditions under which it needs to be produced to improve agricultural productivity.

“There is a good understanding of changes in biochar characteristics when first added to soil and it appears that biochar becomes stable and relatively inert after several years. However there are still uncertainties around longer term changes in activity.

“Further research will provide information regarding long term biochar stability and will help to guide future discussions on the use of biochar for productivity improvements and climate change mitigation.”

The ABARES ‘Biochar —Implications for agricultural productivity’ report is available at www.daff.gov.au/abares .