Transforming Invasive Plants into Valuable Resources – The Biochar Solution with Pratikshya Silwal
Pratikshya Silwal recently finished for PhD in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University. She joins The Drip to share how biochar, a form of charcoal produced through pyrolysis, can be used as a sustainable additive in potting mixes. We'll uncover how it can replace conventional components, the size and growth of the global biochar market, and its environmental impact. Pratikshya also shares insights into her groundbreaking research on converting the problematic eastern red cedar tree into valuable biochar and discusses consumer willingness to adopt this innovative product.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- What is biochar, and how is it produced through pyrolysis?
- The factors that are driving the growth of the global biochar market
- How biochar in soil contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
- Pratikshya’s research on using the invasive eastern red cedar
- … and which other plant species can be used to produce biochar
Jump to:
(01:05) What is biochar?
(03:39) How the invasive eastern red cedar threatens ecosystems and agriculture.
(07:32) Some studies show negative effects of biochar.
(12:14) The power of the optimistic mindset: everything happens for the best.
(14:44) Featured artist and song
(15:46) This episode’s Mantra
Featured Artist and Song:
Links mentioned in this episode:
One Love by Blue, music was chosen by Pratikshya Silwal
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