Biochar4Vines: A Circular, Low-Emission Alternative to Peat

Thank you for your questions. Yes, biochar can be produced using most woody biomass sources, and used in most soil applications, both horticulture and public landscaping and benefit from biochar similar to vineyards.

The deliverables are the following: 1. Pilot Implementation at 10 Farms • Training for farms and operational use of 10 locally manufactured Ring of Fire flame-cap kilns. Each farm receiving a ROF kiln. • On-farm biochar production using vineyard prunings and municipal organic waste sourced from DEDISA’s “Φυτοχώματα” compost program. • Integration of biochar with high-quality compost and Bokashi/EM-1 fermentation for optimal soil compatibility in alkaline Greek soils. 2. Technical Documentation & Carbon Removal Evidence • Full dataset processed and reported through CHARR’s MRV software, including: • Quantified biochar volumes per farm and per burn. • Corresponding carbon removal estimates (tCO₂e) • Emission reduction data versus baseline (open pile burning). 3. Biochar & Soil Analysis Outputs • Baseline and post-application lab testing on soil and biochar, conducted for each farm • Soil Organic Matter (SOM) changes. • Soil pH, nutrient levels, and water retention capacity. • A summary of agronomic outcomes, including any observed yield improvements or input reductions as noted by farms. 4. Replicable Biochar-Companion Product • A validated recipe and process documentation for the EM-1-enhanced biochar-compost blend, suitable as a peat substitute for vineyard planting rows. • Practical guidelines for on-farm fermentation, blending, and application. 5. Training & Capacity Building Materials • Delivery of training workshops to all participating farms (and relevant DEDISA personnel), covering: • Safe and effective biochar production. • Compost blending and EM-1 fermentation. • Data collection and carbon removal monitoring. 6. Knowledge Dissemination and Network Expansion • Final Project Report, including: • Methodology overview. • Impact summary (carbon, agronomic, economic). • Lessons learned and recommendations for scale-up. • Publication of results on the Porto Protocol platform, including: • Case studies or summary from the 10 farms. • Video or photo documentation of field activities. • Inclusion in the Porto Protocol resource library and Climate Talks. We are happy to discuss the above with the challenge holder and, if needed adjust some of the deliverables to better suit their goals.