Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material made by heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment, a process called pyrolysis. It locks carbon into a form that resists decomposition for hundreds to thousands of years, making it a practical tool for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). When added to soil, biochar improves water retention, reduces fertilizer needs, and cuts nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Beyond agriculture, biochar can filter pollutants from water and remediate contaminated land. Its production can also generate energy as a co-product. However, scaling biochar depends on feedstock availability, production costs, and verification of its long-term carbon storage. Projects must measure actual sequestration rather than assume it. For carbon markets, biochar offers a durable removal method with co-benefits for farmers and ecosystems. But buyers should look for projects that use certified methodologies and third-party monitoring to ensure the carbon stays locked in, not lost to oxidation or mismanagement.
