Biochar use in compost and manure management
Biochar improves compost and manure management through moisture control and nutrient retention.
For compost and livestock facilities, biochar is integrated into organic waste streams. It’s blended directly into compost piles and manure systems to regulate moisture, and reduce odors.
When used in compost, it enhances the activity of microorganisms. This process raises the temperature and speeds up stabilization and reduces composting time.
Livestock facilities benefit from biochar added to bedding systems, barn floors, and feedlot pen surfaces to manage moisture and manure accumulation issues.
Research continues to explore additional applications of biochar within compost and manure management systems.
A 2026 study evaluated biochar as a feed additive for dairy cows and found that approximately 70–90% of the ingested material passed through the digestive system and returned to the manure stream.
The recovered biochar kept its structural stability after digestion, and based on a separate study in 2019, biochar might also have positive health effects on the cattle, including improved digestive health and enhanced nutrient absorption.
Read more about Recovery and composition of biochar after feeding to cattle
