September Newsletter 2020
The US Forest Service (USFS) – a key partner organization ► The USFS has enabled USBI to provide technical support for biochar from wood processing and forest residues. Since 2017, USFS support has helped us assist in product development, processing, and markets. USFS has also enabled surveys where you, our USBI networkers, have told us what you need - product characterization, standards, and guidelines to support markets like landscaping, turf and trees, horticulture, and stormwater, and emerging markets for the strategic use of biochar in remediation, agriculture, building and construction.
The USBI-USFS partnership has also produced biochar webinars covering topics like biochar markets, abandoned mine land reclamation, production, and combine heat and biochar. Next month, we will assist the USFS in the demonstration of a prototype mobile carbonizer for making biochars from forest residues and gorse, an invasive species.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) - best practices projects ► We have also collaborated with NRCS to promote their Soil Carbon Amendment Interim practice 808 which will provide cost-share to farmers who use biochar. In addition, with help from Cornell University Cooperative Extension and USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists, USBI has applied for an NRCS grant that will demonstrate biochar on 100 farms using the new 808 practice and help NRCS develop biochar use guidelines.
Biochar Education and Outreach Update ► USBI has assisted NRCS, USFS, Council of Western State Foresters and many other agencies and organizations with biochar education this year. For example, we delivered training and presentations to the Soil and Water Conservation Society, National Association of Conservation Districts, and industry associations. We also presented a workshop at the US Composting Council January 2020 national meeting which would have been impossible without the help of USDA Agricultural Research Service, Jon Nilsson of Chargrow, Peter Hirst of Symsoil, and Jack Hoeck of Rexius Products. Special thanks go out to these experts!
Return to newsletter by selecting your email tab at top of your screen.