The research group was tasked with addressing a set of consolidated research questions, under several topics of biochar utilization opportunities. Research Advisory Group members were given a questionnaire with eight sub-topics and were requested to conduct a review on the available scientific literature as it relates to each sub-topic and area of interest. Researchers were asked to indicate the breadth of knowledge available on each question (Low, Medium or High), to provide a list of references, their own expert opinion, and to identify existing research gaps. In the provided database, their comments and expert opinions have been synthesized into Question view and Expert view. The four question prompts quicklinks are also provided in the sidebar for easier navigation.
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The purpose of the Biochar Research Advisory Group, is to assist the State of California with identifying research gaps in the scientific literature, as they pertain to California specific environmental conditions (feedstock type/availability, soil-crop systems, and climate). In California, we have well over 2,000 different soil types and the state’s agricultural producers cultivate over 400 different crops. In California, we have access to millions of tons of feedstock from forest thinning and active fire management operations, as well as from agricultural waste in the central valley.
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We have several environmental challenges that desperately need solutions during this time of crisis (drought, severe forest tree mortality, climate change, etc.). We as a group believe that biochar may have the potential to play a significant role in assisting State efforts to address these concerns. In order to effectively utilize the beneficial properties of biochar(s) to increase soil water retention, crop productivity, carbon sequestration in soils, and to even reduce the bioavailability of soil or water contaminants; biochar(s) must be designed to target and correct such a deficiency, at any given location. Due to the inherent need for further investigation into the scientific mechanisms behind these processes, the State needs a proper evaluation conducted by leading experts in the field of biochar research, of the given variables (soil types, crops, climate, feedstocks, and pyrolysis conditions), in order to help guide future research efforts.
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This is an informal group, assembled by state agencies, departments, and boards that are all interested in how biochar can be developed and used in California. Participating state/federal government entities, academic institutions and non-profits include, but are not limited to:
The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (Go-Biz), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), the California Energy Commission (CEC), the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD), California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (Cal Recycle), the Air Resources Board (ARB), the University of California (Riverside, Merced, and Davis), and the US Forest Service (USFS).
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For more information please visit http://opr.ca.gov/planning/land-use/urban-forestry/