Summary
Groundswell created its first ever batch of biochar, turning invasive species into a carbon sink and fertile soil.
“You just sequestered one ton of carbon dioxide,” volunteer Alex Tanke said after spending the day demonstrating how to make biochar from brush piles at Groundswell’s Westport Farm.
At Westport Farm, Groundswell is always changing our stewardship to take better care of the soil and conserve native habitat. After removing an understory of buckthorn and honeysuckle from a tree line this winter, we looked for a way to turn a byproduct of environmental restoration into a tool to support healthy soil. Biochar, which is gaining popularity for its benefits when added to garden soil, is an ancient method of improving soil fertility.
What we made and spread on our fields will remain for 1,000 years or more. It will house beneficial microorganisms, store water, assist plants with absorbing nutrients and minerals, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These compounding benefits are hard to measure, but we know they contribute to a world we want to live in — full of clean air, intact ecosystems, and tastier vegetables.
Creating this batch of biochar for the farm was an experiment for Groundswell, but one we are interested in continuing in the future. Our mission of promoting conservation where you live includes restoring native habitat and promoting sustainable farming practices. Making biochar out of removed invasives achieves both of these goals at once!