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Report2022Open access

Biochar in Swedish agriculture – straw pyrolysis as a first step towards net-zero

Azzi, Elias; Jungefeldt, Louise; Karan, Shivesh; Sundberg, Cecilia

Abstract

Biochar is a method for carbon dioxide removal through long-term storage of biogenic carbon in soil. Quantifying biochar impacts on agricultural greenhouse gas emissions requires a systems perspective since biochar can be produced from various agricultural feedstocks, and will have various effects when applied on cropland. In this report, climate impacts are quantified in a life cycle assessment of wheat production in Sweden using biochar produced from straw. When comparing wheat production with biochar to either ploughing straw back into soil, or using straw for heat production, the climate impact of wheat is reduced by about 45%. Some factors that have large influence on the result are the assumptions on the energy system, long-term biochar stability, and effects of biochar on crop yield. Biochar sustainability, potential and implementation are also discussed in the report. In total, the prospects for biochar as a climate solution for Swedish food and agriculture are complex but also diverse and promising.

Keywords

barriers; biochar; opportunities; life cycle assessment; potential; wheat

Published in

Mistra Food Futures Report
2022, number: 4ISBN: 978-91-8046-759-9, eISBN: 978-91-8046-758-2Publisher: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences