• The use history of biochar dates some 2,000-plus years. 

• It was used by the indigenous population of Brazil, who referred to biochar as terra petra, "black soil."

• Biochar is a solid substance obtained from pyrolysis of biomass (e.g. banana peel, wood chips, etc).

• Pyrolysis means applying high-temperatures of heat in the absence of oxygen.

• The ash, black substance, produced is highly porous (holes or minute spaces).   

• Think of biochar as a sponge that absorbs water and gases. 

• You can turn your bio waste into a sponge that retains moisture, while sequestering carbon-dioxide (a greenhouse gas that can increase our Earth's temperature. 

• We found that biochar made at home worked in the same manner as the biochar made in the lab.  

• Note: Additional research to understand what type of bio waste acts best for what type of soil is a work in progress.