The recent announcement from the University of Utah marks a significant step in the intersection of agriculture and climate action. With a $500,000 investment through its Wilkes Climate Launch Prize, the university is backing Applied Carbon, a Texas-based startup that aims to transform agricultural waste into a valuable resource in the fight against climate change. This innovative approach focuses on utilizing the stalks and husks left behind after corn harvesting, which are often discarded, to create biochar—a soil additive that not only enhances soil health but also captures and stores carbon.
Applied Carbon’s technology involves a process called pyrolysis, where crop waste is subjected to high heat in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in biochar. This substance can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers while sequestering carbon in the soil for hundreds of years, presenting a sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural practices. William Anderegg, director of the Wilkes Center, emphasized the scalability of this technology, suggesting it could be implemented across various agricultural fields in the near future.
At a recent event celebrating the prize, Jason Aramburu, CEO of Applied Carbon, highlighted the challenges faced by startups in the agricultural sector, particularly in securing funding to bring innovative technologies to market. The prize money will facilitate the production of more biochar machines and expand their operational capacity. Currently, Applied Carbon operates four mobile pyrolizers in Texas, collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to test the efficacy of biochar on approximately 4,000 acres of corn. The initiative aims to remove an estimated 100,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere by 2026, although this figure is still subject to adjustment as the project progresses.
The implications of this technology extend beyond carbon sequestration. As Darren McAvoy, an extension professor at Utah State University, noted, applying biochar at a global scale could potentially reverse some of the carbon emissions that have accumulated since the Industrial Revolution. This prospect is particularly appealing in light of the increasing risks posed to traditional reforestation efforts due to climate change, such as wildfires and droughts.
While the potential benefits of Applied Carbon’s technology are clear, questions remain about its economic viability and adoption by farmers. ValJay Rigby, president of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, acknowledged the need for innovative solutions in agriculture but noted a lack of current users of Applied Carbon’s product among local farmers. The challenge lies in seamlessly integrating the mobile pyrolizers into existing farming operations without disrupting the critical harvesting process, which is both time-sensitive and costly.
As Applied Carbon continues to refine its technology and seeks to expand into regions like Utah, the agricultural community’s response will be crucial. Early feedback indicates a positive reception, with reports of increased crop yields from farmers who have implemented biochar. As this initiative progresses, it could pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future, demonstrating that waste can indeed be turned into a resource in the ongoing battle against climate change.
