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About CSIRO

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

Open to the Public

CSIRO has a range of facilities that are opened to the public, with each offering a unique insight into science research activities and history.

National Research Flagships

Large-scale, long-term, multidisciplinary science to address Australia's major national challenges and opportunities.

Divisions

CSIRO expertise is organised into 15 research areas.

National Facilities

CSIRO manages national facilities and collections that are opened to researchers around Australia and overseas.
- The Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL)
- National Collections - The Australian National Insect Collection, The Australian National Fish Collection, The Australian National Herbarium, The Australian National Wildlife Collection
- The Marine National Facility - The Southern Surveyor
- Telescopes - Parkes, Narrabri, Mopra, Tidbinbilla, VLBI, ASKAP
- Pyrotron

CSIRO's core areas of impact

Astronomy & Space

Climate Change

Energy

Environment

Farming & Food

Health & Wellbeing

Information & Communication Technologies

Manufacturing

Materials

Mining & Minerals

Oceans & Coasts

Transport & Infrastructure

Contact Enquiries: Phone - 1300 363 400 | Email - Enquiries@csiro.au | Contact Us

Fact Sheet

A pile of slate-grey coloured biochar chips.

A pile of sample biochar.
With kind permission from BEST Energies.

Biochar fact sheet

This fact sheet gives an overview of biochar and its potential in carbon sequestration and improving soil health. (4 pages)

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Biochar has been attracting growing interest due to its potential in carbon sequestration and in improving soil health. However, further research needs to be undertaken to answer questions about its properties and the benefits associated with its production and application.

This fact sheet explains what biochar is, the process by which it is produced (pyrolysis) and looks at the possible role of biochar as a soil conditioner and in offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.

The knowledge gaps and research questions which need to be addressed in relation to biochar's production and application are also discussed.

CSIRO's biochar research is one of the projects being undertaken within the Managing Australia's Soil and Landscape Assets (MASaLA) Theme.