BionerG and Llysfasi Agricultural College have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to explore whether tree brash could become a critical resource for carbon removals in Wales. Llysfasi has supplied tree brash, the typically discarded branches and foliage resulting from forestry operations, which BionerG is now processing using an innovative approach involving branch logging followed by drying in their specialized pyrolysis units at the ECKO Hub.
Tree brash is abundant and historically undervalued due to logistical challenges, particularly transportation and low density. However, through this investigation, BionerG and Llysfasi are demonstrating that brash can be efficiently densified using a branch logger, significantly enhancing its utility for biochar production. This could unlock new economic and ecological potential, turning a forestry by-product into a central component of circular, restorative agricultural practices.
Biochar itself is not new—agriculture has leveraged this carbon-rich, porous substance for centuries, notably in Amazonian “terra preta” soils, renowned for their sustained fertility. Modern research has further validated biochar’s efficacy, consistently demonstrating improved plant growth, soil health, and carbon sequestration under diverse environmental conditions. These compelling results have sparked increased collaboration between the farming and forestry sectors, precisely the areas of expertise fostered by Llysfasi Agricultural College.
The ongoing research and development at Llysfasi and BionerG, from brash handling to biochar application, is meticulously documented to facilitate widespread replication and adoption. Interested parties can follow along with the progress through a detailed series of videos available on YouTube at youtube.com/GotToMakeEnoughBiochar, enabling a global audience to learn, replicate, and implement sustainable biochar solutions.
