Biochar, climate change and soil: a review to guide future research

Source: CSIRO
"Biochar is the charred by-product of biomass pyrolysis, the heating of plant-derived material in the absence of oxygen in order to capture combustible gases. The objective of this report was to review and evaluate published studies with regard to what evidence and arguments currently exist that assess the application of biochar to soil to a) sequester carbon and b) produce secondary agronomic benefits. Current analyses suggest that there is global potential for annual sequestration of atmospheric CO2 at the billion-tonne scale (109 t yr-1) within 30 years. So far, however, the underlying published evidence arises mainly from small-scale studies that do not currently support generalisation to all locations and all types of biochar."

Soil carbon management and carbon trading

Source: AFFA
"The purpose of this science for decision makers brief is to investigate the role of soil in capturing and storing (or sequestering) carbon emissions."

Managing Australia's soils: a discussion paper

Source: Triple Helix
"The paper identifies sustainable soil management as a fundamental requirement for the future prosperity of this nation. It also acknowledges that it can’t be dealt with alone – it must be part of a broader and integrated NRM package that encourages and supports sustainable land management."

Managing Australian soils: a discussion paper

Source: CSIRO
"The importance of sustainable soil management in relation to issues such as climate change, food production, and the carbon and water cycles is canvassed in a new discussion paper.The discussion paper highlights a lack of recognition of the connection between soil management and environmental issues such as climate change and water availability, or between soil management and food security as the major problems with present soil management practices and policies."