Biochar is a charcoal-like substance created by heating organic materials—such as wood chips, crop residues, or manure—in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. This method transforms biomass into a stable, carbon-rich material that resembles charcoal but is specifically designed for environmental and agricultural purposes. Biochar’s highly porous structure improves soil health by enhancing water retention, supporting beneficial microbial life, and improving overall soil structure. It is also extremely durable, remaining in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years, which makes it a powerful tool for long-term carbon sequestration. By locking carbon in a solid and stable form, biochar helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes meaningfully to climate change mitigation. In addition to its value as a soil amendment, biochar can be used for water filtration, managing agricultural waste, and even strengthening construction materials like concrete, all while reducing their environmental footprint.

Biochar and charcoal may look similar, but they are produced differently and serve very different purposes.

Charcoal is typically produced by burning wood or other organic materials in a low-oxygen environment and is primarily used as a fuel for heating or cooking. Its production focuses on maximizing energy content, and the process is not necessarily concerned with environmental impact or preserving beneficial properties of the material.

Biochar, on the other hand, is produced through a more controlled process called pyrolysis, which heats organic biomass—such as agricultural or forestry waste—in a low-oxygen environment.  Biochar is often ‘quenched’ with water which effectively opens the structure to give it the ability to retain water and soil nutrients.  Under a microscope, biochar would appear as millions of small black sponges.   It is estimated that one gram of biochar, roughly the size of a sugar cube, has well over 1,000 square feet of surface area! 

The goal of biochar is not fuel, but to create a stable, carbon-rich material specifically intended for environmental and agricultural benefits. Biochar is designed to store carbon long-term and improve soil health by enhancing water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial life. It is typically not used as a fuel because its value lies in its interaction with soil and its ability to sequester carbon.

In short, charcoal is made for burning, while biochar is made for improving soil and storing carbon.