About Us

Mission

Biochar science is an continuously maturing field of study that is showing considerable growth and potential. Although there is a great deal of interest in biochar from researchers, growers, and other stakeholder groups, the field suffers from 1) lack of readily available information for end users to make informed decisions and 2) differing opinions on the gross effects of biochar when used as a soil amendment. To help mitigate these shortfalls, the UC Davis Biochar Database has been established to present an online resource of biochar physical and chemical characterization data. This database does not provide recommendations for biochar use nor does it endorse any specific product. The database exists only as resource, with the specific objectives to:

  1. provide an open-access tool for end users interested in biochar as a  soil amendment to examine and compare data for a variety of biochar feedstocks;
  2. provide a reliable resource for academics and researchers by distinguishing between peer reviewed and non peer reviewed data;
  3. provide a user friendly site for sharing biochar characterization data;
  4. provide a mechanism for biochar manufacturers to present the characterization data of their biochar products to potential end users.

Information collected from various peer and non-peer reviewed sources has been compiled to produce a substantial source of biochar data. Data has been compiled using categories from the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) biochar standards. Submissions to the database are welcomed and will be reviewed for approval prior to incorporation into the UC Davis Biochar Database. Biochar data is readily retrieved either graphically or as a downloaded file. Separation into peer and non peer reviewed data sets is also possible.

Bios of the UC Davis Biochar Database Personnel.


Funding

The UC Davis Biochar Database is funded in part by a grant from the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA-NIFA #2012-67009-20070) and also via the UC Davis Agriculture Sustainability Institute through a grant form the David and Lucille Packard Foundation.