Report 1: State of the Art of Biochar Systems in the Tropics with a Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa
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Potential Analysis of Biochar-Systems for Improved Soil and Nutrient Management in Ethiopian Agriculture
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Abstract
The population of Ethiopia is growing rapidly, increasing the food demand and the pressure
on soils and other natural ressources. In the highlands of Ethiopia, relatively fertile soils of
volcanic origin (Nitisols) predominate. However, many of them are affected by several fertility
constraints, such as erosion, nutrient depletion, acidity or waterlogging. On behalf of the
German Government, the Federal Institute for Geoscience and Natural Resources (BGR) is
working with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Ressources and international
partners to assess the potential of biochar as a new strategy for Ethiopia to counteract its soil
degradation. Recent research around the globe has shown that using biochar as a soil
conditioner can amend these issues, when not applied purely to the soil but in combination with
other organic amendments, such as compost, urine or manure. However, more research on a
local level is necessary to predict the long-term effects of biochar on crops, soils, climate,
humans and the whole environment. Key factors of these effects are the technology and the
feedstock sources used for the production of biochar. Production technologies are available
from small-scale cook stoves up to sophisticated large-scale pyrolysis plants. Whereas
feedstocks should be carefully selected from nutrient-poor organic waste, in order to avoid
nutrient losses and biomass competition. However, not only technical factors are vital for the
implementation of biochar into cropping systems, but also social and political ones. The
cultural compatibility and political conditions need to be taken into consideration as well.
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Report 1: State of the Art of Biochar Systems in the Tropics with a Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa
Sponsorship
This work was made possible through the generous financial support of the German Federal
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through the Bundesanstalt für
Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR, The German Federal Institute for Geosciences and
Natural Resources). We thank the Soil Fertility Improvement Directorate of Ethiopia’s Ministry of
Agriculture and Natural Resources (MOANR), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Ethiopia country office, Jimma University, Cornell University, and
Biochar Europe UG for the excellent support and encouragement during the preparation of this
report. We also express our special gratitude to Andreas Möller and Anja Volk from BGR and to
Tefera Solomon and Kassaye Tilahun from the Soil Fertility Improvement Directorate of Ethiopia’s
MOANR for their leadership, guidance and support without whom this work would not have been
possible.
Date Issued
2016-10
Publisher
BGR-Germany
Keywords
Socio-economic scenario; Ethiopia; Climate smart biochar systems; biomass resource assessment; soil fertility improvement
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