National Hydrochar and Biochar Conference Recap
The first ever National Hydrochar and Biochar Conference was held July 26-28, 2024 in Rapid City at the SD School of Mines & Technology.
The first ever National Hydrochar and Biochar Conference was held July 26-28, 2024 in Rapid City at the SD School of Mines & Technology.
Hydrochar and biochar are a pure carbon material created from the burn of biological materials in an oxygen free environment, often used in cosmetics, the health industry, water filtration and as a soil amendment. Experts from around the nation gathered to share research and insights into the production and use of hydrochar and biochar specifically for use in soil health. SDSPA Urban Ag Liaison Malisa Niles was invited to attend to represent agricultural growers.
Nineteen presentations were given by Academia and Industrial experts from Prudue, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of California-Berkeley, Florida Institute of Technology, Yale University, USDA engineers, our own South Dakota State University and more. Topics included agricultural and forest biomass being used for char production, benefits of using char in the soil and the feasibility of char production for use in agriculture.
SDSPA Urban Ag Liaison Malisa Niles was invited to attend to represent agricultural growers, serves as a panelist, and served as a judge for the university student poster contest.
Three expert panel discussions were held covering the technical barriers of commercial char production, end use application, and educational opportunities. Malisa served on the Points of View of End Users; Char Products for Soil Health panel sharing her knowledge of on the farm biochar production, how it is used in current agricultural practices and the shortfalls of commercial production.
Malisa also served as a judge for the university student poster contest. Thirteen posters featured the students’ experiment and project on biochar. Posters were evaluated on professionalism, organization, and an oral interview. All students showed a passion for their work in the field of hydrochar and biochar.
Hydrochar and biochar are a pure carbon material created from the burn of biological materials in an oxygen free environment, often used in cosmetics, the health industry, water filtration and as a soil amendment.
The conference was sponsored by the USDA and may become an annual event. The event was deemed a success with attendees from universities from all over the United States developing collaboration projects, sharing their research and their passion for biochar and soil health.