WasteX, a climate technology startup, is employing biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More technology at its mill in Tarlac, northern Philippines, aiming to support local farmers by increasing agricultural yields and reducing costs. The initiative, overseen by Renato KaKa Constantino, the mill’s social entrepreneur officer, focuses on providing biochar to rice farmers, thereby enhancing their livelihood and making rice farming more attractive to the younger generation.

Biochar, a substance resembling charcoalCharcoal is a black, brittle, and porous material produced by heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. It is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking and heating.   More made from the combustion of organic material from agricultural and forestry wastes, is being introduced by Singapore-based WasteX. The technology arrives at a critical moment, addressing the challenges of rising fertilizer prices and declining agricultural yields. By distributing biochar to farms within its network, WasteX intends to support local rice production and encourage the younger generation’s participation in agriculture.

The benefits of biochar include reduced reliance on expensive fertilizers, improved soil health, and increased resilience of crops. WasteX emphasizes biochar’s role in enhancing soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration, aiming to offer a sustainable alternative for farmers adapting to changing environmental conditions. The company provides an integrated solution for biochar adoption, encompassing proprietary equipment, a mobile app, and comprehensive support for its application in agriculture, alongside facilitating carbon credit processes.

With $450,000 in funding from P4G Partnerships, WasteX plans to expand its reach in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Its unique carbonizer, which uses both biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More fuel and syngasSyngas, or synthesis gas, is a fuel gas mixture consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is produced during gasification and can be used as a fuel source or as a feedstock for producing other chemicals and fuels.   More from biomass pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More, represents an efficient and eco-friendly approach to biochar production. The technology has shown promising results in increasing yields and reducing fertilizer use in corn and rice farming, suggesting significant potential for sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience.

READ MORE: WasteX uses Tarlac mill to improve crop yields