Biochar is like smart, human-made charcoal created by burning wood side streams at high temperature without oxygen. The process is called pyrolysis and binds for hundreds of years 50% of the carbon which would otherwise be released to the atmosphere. Biochar’s solid structure and a low degradation rate make it into one of the best carbon sinks.
Core sustainability values
Verora was founded more than 20 years ago as an association of agriculture composters dedicated to closing nutrient cycle through humus build-up. Biochar was added in 2012 with the goal of optimizing the use of wood residue supply, biochar production and application in agriculture and utilizing residual heat. The pyrolysis unit deployed is Pyreg P500 and the process of conversion of biomass residues into biochar creates 120 KWth of usable heat. The residual heat is used to dry the wood as well as heat residential buildings.
Biochar is produced from residual wood from landscaping and tree residues which are not suitable for composting and energy production. The fine wood chips are not burned in the absence of air, but charred - carbonized. The pyrolysis gases then burn completely in the FLOX® burner at up to 1,100°C. This results in very low exhaust gas emissions, which cannot be achieved with other processes.
Quality assurance
The biochar has a high carbon content of at least 80 to 88%, which ensures its stability as a carbon sink. Biochar is certified by
Verora takes samples and traces every bag of biochar sold, including feedstock and process conditions.
Benefits beyond carbon
Verora is a pioneer in biochar application. Its extensive experience in agriculture allowed for the immediate biochar application and observation of how to optimize the use of biochar over the years.
600 cubic meters of biochar are produced per year and used in agriculture, hobby gardening, for composts and substrates. In addition to storing carbon, biochar is increasing soil fertility and reducing the need for irrigation when applied to agricultural land. For boosting its nutrient content, biochar is first used for livestock bedding, manure treatment and as a compost additive. This is a win-win solution as not only the biochar captures the nutrients which otherwise would leak and contaminate water bodies, but also increases soil fertility and enhances yields.
Biochar can also be added in composting where it reduces odor and nitrogen loss, regulates moisture and promotes decomposition. Similarly, biochar reduces odor when applied in slurry treatment. When applied as an animal feed, biochar has a positive impact on the animal wellbeing by improving digestion.
Photo credit: Verora
The Verora biochar has been approved by the Federal Office for Agriculture to be placed as a fertilizer on the market. From 2018, Verora biochar is approved as a single feed, as an additive for bedding, farmyard manure or compost.