12 November 2009
MAF pleased by appointment of NZ Biochar Centre co-director
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is pleased by the appointment of the second co-director of the New Zealand Biochar Research Centre based at Massey University.
MAF Sustainable Businesses Manager James Stevenson-Wallace says the appointment of Professor Jim Jones as the second co-director is an important step in progressing biochar research.
"We now have two innovative professors in place and ready to build the profile of biochar research in New Zealand."
MAF funds the Centre's two professorships and $1million for research and development.
Professor Jones will develop biochar and bioenergy production technology. He joins Associate Professor Marta Camps, who was appointed to the Centre in January.
Biochar is a stable form of carbon that can be put into soil to form a major permanent carbon sink. It also has the potential to suppress nitrous oxide emissions and reduce nitrate leeching into waterways.
Turning biological feedstocks such as organic matter or waste materials into biochar could offer multiple benefits to New Zealand’s primary sector, Mr Stevenson-Wallace says.
"It could be used to mitigate climate change, improve soil health, and lift agricultural productivity. There is also the potential to generate bio-oil and biogas as co-products from producing biochar."
While there is considerable interest in biochar in New Zealand and world-wide, Mr Stevenson-Wallace said that securing the benefits would require extensive research and field trials.
"There’s lot of work to do to match biochar to the specific soil types and land use practices in New Zealand, and to overcome a range of economic challenges to ensure its viability."
The New Zealand Biochar Research Centre was established in 2008 as part of the New Zealand Government's response to climate change.
Media contact:
- Deborah Gray, MAF Communications
Phone: 04 894 0715, Mobile: 029 894 0715, Email: deborah.gray@maf.govt.nz
