John S. Walker, President
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John S. Walker, President
description
John S. Walker, President. The Buzz. “The benefits of improving their soil should be enough to persuade some farmers to make and bury biochar. Others, though, may need more incentives—probably in the form of carbon “offsets” that compensate for emissions elsewhere.” - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of John S. Walker, President
John S. Walker, President
The Buzz
“The benefits of improving their soil should be enough to persuade some farmers to make and bury biochar. Others, though, may need more incentives—probably in the form of carbon “offsets” that compensate for emissions elsewhere.”
The Economist, August 27, 2009
“Energy market forecasts in the 1970s did not foresee the rapid development of gas-powered generation through integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants and it is very possible that similar new energy options will arrive in future. An example of one such promising technology, Biochar….a charcoal-like material produced by heating biomass with minimal oxygen (pyrolysis)…Biochar systems need to be developed on a meaningful scale to determine better their true sequestration potential.” Tony Blair, Former UK Prime Minister, 2009
The Opportunity
Biomass waste can be converted into valuable commodities, but logistics drive costs past the market
Biochar is a multi-level product; a soil enhancement, carbon sink, fuel source, waste diversion practice.
Benefits of Using Biochar
Increased plant growth and crop yields
Prevents leaching of nutrients in the soil, especially in the tropics
Fewer chemical fertilizers needed
Can correct soil acidity [Biochar is acid or alkaline, depending on temperature, time and oxygen used in pyrolysis]
Stores carbon long term
Increased EM population
Benefits Of Biochar Cont. Increased earthworm population
Inexpensive soil amendment
Sustainable farming possible for the poor
Neutralizes bad odors, so perfect to add to a compost toilet
Improved water retention in the soil
Improved aeration and tilth
Reversal of desertification
Reforestation possible
Benefits Of Biochar Cont.
Reduced runoff of phosphorus into surface waters
Reduced leaching of nitrogen into groundwater
Reduced soil compaction
Improved soil drainage
Increased nutrient cycling
Improved germination
Improved plant resistance to fungal disease, root feeding nematodes and insect infestations
Benefits Of Biochar Cont.
Suppressed methane emission Reduced nitrous oxide emission Reduces aluminium toxicity Increased soil aggregation [gathering together of the soil]
due to increased fungal hypha Increased soil levels of available Ca, Mg, P, and K Stimulated symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes Increased arbuscular mycorrhyzal fungi [the kind that
attach to plant roots and exchange nutrients for sugars] Increased cation [a positively charged ion] exchange
capacity
Biomass Through Pyrolysis
The Biochar Carbon Cycle
Describe your Team
Technology
WRE has developed a mobile biochar system
Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.
The WRE-CHAB System
Technology
WRE has developed a mobile biochar system
Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.
Thank You
The WRE-CHAB System
Technology
WRE has developed a mobile biochar system
Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.
Thank You
The System
Inflow of Biomass
Technology
WRE has developed a mobile biochar system
Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.
Thank You
Pre-processing
Feedstock is pre-dried
up to 30% Moisture Content
Additional pre-drying can be added
Technology
WRE has developed a mobile biochar system
Ag-industry can convert waste into possible carbon credits while improving soil performance.
Thank You
A Continuous System
Dried feedstock flowing to the reactor.
24 hr. operation
The Outputs
Pyrolytic gases flared from the WRE-CHAB System
