A new initiative in the Aysén region of Chile, led by the Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), is exploring the use of 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 derived from sheep manure to improve soil health and enhance horticultural production. The project, titled “Valorization of waste from the sheep industry through the production of biochar to strengthen family farming and improve agricultural sustainability in the Aysén region,” aims to address the challenges of cold, acidic soils while providing a new use for agricultural waste. This effort aligns with a broader trend in the agricultural sector to adopt circular economy principles, transforming what was once considered a liability into a valuable resource. The two-year project began in April 2024 and is funded by the Innovation for Competitiveness Fund (FIC-R) with a budget of 152 million Chilean pesos.

The research is being carried out on a plot provided by INIA Aysén, with the technical and scientific direction of researchers Dr. Francisco Salazar, regional director of INIA Aysén, and Dr. Ricardo Baettig, a specialist in biochar and soil recovery. The project is focused on studying the properties of biochar produced from sheep manure and its effect on local crops, specifically lettuce and rhubarb. Dr. Salazar noted that the region’s soils often have low fertility and high acidity, and this biochar could serve as a valuable amendment. The project involves producing the biochar and applying it in various doses to the test crops. A key component of the work is the collaboration with family farmers in the region, including the rural communities of Ñirehuao, Valle Simpson, and Cerro Castillo, who will be involved in the application of the material and the evaluation of its effects.

This project is part of a larger push by INIA to promote sustainable and resilient agricultural practices in the region. The organization has previously worked on projects related to the use of compost and vermicompost, and this new focus on biochar from local waste streams represents a further step in creating a more sustainable agricultural system in Aysén. The research also aligns with national efforts to develop and disseminate technologies that improve agricultural sustainability and productivity. The outcomes of the study are expected to provide local farmers with a new tool to manage soil health and increase yields, while also contributing to the reduction of agricultural waste.

SOURCE: Proyecto impulsado por INIA busca valorizar residuos ovinos para fortalecer la horticultura en Aysén