BIOCHAR

Getting Going With Biochar is a series of workshops, training, field trials, and online and in-person internships aimed at increasing the adoption of Biochar in Agriculture, and in our fight to reduce the pace of Climate Change.

Key Highlights of the Online Internship Programme:

• Objective: To educate attendees about Biochar, its production, and applications through literature study, expert lectures, and hands-on experiments.
• Team and Speakers: The program is organized by Tejas Rajvihar and his team with speakers/mentors contributing their expertise.
• Internship Process: It involves studying Biochar literature, attending weekly meetings with mentors and experts, and designing and conducting experiments.
• Timeline and Activities: The 12-week program is structured into segments of studying literature, assignment completion, project proposal development, and final project submission and evaluation.
• Resources: A wealth of resources, including websites, videos, and documents, are provided for comprehensive learning and project development.
• Weekly Meetings: Essential for discussion, learning from experts, and tracking project progress, with options to attend calls in the morning or evening.
• Projects and Assignments: Interns are encouraged to propose projects related to Biochar that align with their field of work, skills, and academics.

Biochar Projects and Utilization:

• Biochar Preparation and Usage: The program encourages exploring various methods of Biochar preparation, its application in agriculture, sanitation, materials construction, and as manures.
• Innovative Biochar Applications: Projects can range from Biochar filters for water and air purification, usage in animal feed, landscaping, cleaning agents, and even carbon-negative products.

Communication and Updates:

• Participants are provided with a Telegram group link for updates and a platform for sharing personal notes and project documents.
• Guest speaker sessions and weekly call recordings are shared for those who miss live sessions.

This internship program represents a significant opportunity for individuals interested in sustainable environmental practices, specifically in the Biochar domain, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience under the guidance of experts in the field.

This in-person biochar workshop offers farmers and students a comprehensive, hands-on experience in the field of sustainable agriculture and environmental management. Hosted at a farm-and-field level facility, the workshop is designed to provide practical skills and knowledge in the production and application of biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from organic waste.

Attendees will engage in a variety of activities, including:

1. Biochar Production: Learn the process of converting organic waste into biochar using pyrolysis, understanding the science behind temperature control, retention time, and the physical and chemical properties of different feedstocks.
2. Charging Biochar: Gain expertise in enhancing biochar's properties by charging it with nutrients, microbes, or both. This process improves its effectiveness as a soil amendment, and Attendees will learn the best practices for charging biochar to meet specific agricultural needs.
3. Creating Slow-Release Fertilizers: Participate in the development of biochar-based slow-release fertilizers. This includes mixing biochar with various organic and inorganic nutrients, testing for nutrient release rates, and optimizing formulations for different crop types.
4. Effective Field Trials: Design and conduct field trials to assess the impact of biochar and biochar-based products on soil health, plant growth, and crop yield. Attendees will learn to set up trial plots, monitor plant and soil parameters, and analyze data to determine the effectiveness of biochar amendments.
5. Environmental Impact Assessment: Study the environmental benefits of biochar, including carbon sequestration, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and waste reduction. Attendees will also learn about the role of biochar in water retention and pollution remediation.
6. Community Engagement and Education: Engage with local communities and farmers to promote the use of biochar. This includes preparing educational materials, conducting workshops, and demonstrating the benefits of biochar in sustainable agriculture.
7. Innovative Applications of Biochar: Explore novel uses of biochar beyond agriculture, such as in building materials, water treatment, and energy storage, providing a holistic view of biochar's potential.

This workshop is ideal for farmers practising regenerative farming and students pursuing degrees in environmental science, agriculture, sustainable development, or related fields who are eager to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. Through this immersive experience, interns will not only contribute to sustainable agricultural practices but also gain valuable skills and insights that will benefit their future careers in environmental sustainability.