Biochar planted on campus

Biochar produced by EBRI added to flower beds on the Aston University campus.

On World Environment Day, during an event jointly organised by Aston University’s Environment and Sustainability team, Aston Students’ Union and the Aston gardening team, biochar was added to the soil during the plantation of sunflowers.

This sustainable form of charcoal was produced utilising technology developed by EBRI and its industrial partners by a process known as pyrolysis which involves thermally treating organic material such as wood prunings in the absence of oxygen.

Over the coming weeks we will observe how rapidly and strongly the flowers grow especially as biochar enhances the soil in so many beneficial ways – from improving plant health through neutralising acidity, providing improved water and nutrient retention and improved drainage and aeration. Each fragment of biochar can also provide a habitat for beneficial soil microbes.

This initiative is an illustration of Aston University’s commitment to sustainability including transforming green spaces and promoting biodiversity.