§2.National biochar research network
This section establishes a national biochar research network of not more than 20 research sites or facilities to test biochar types (i.e., charcoal produced from biomass pyrolysis) across soil types, management conditions, application methods, and regions. The network is to (1) assess soil carbon sequestration potential of biochars and integrated management systems; (2) evaluate biochar uses for climate mitigation, crop production, resilience to extreme weather, soil health, conservation, and profitability; and (3) deliver region-specific information on sustainable biochar production and application to farmers, ranchers, foresters, land managers, and businesses.
The network encompasses agriculture, horticulture, rangeland, forestry, and other uses; a broad range of feedstocks, production processes, and treatments; and research including cross-site experiments on soil properties, plant growth, emissions, sequestration, production processes, models, reactor design, and testing methodologies, as well as site-specific assessments, pilot systems, life cycle analyses, and data sharing.
Eligible entities include state agricultural or forestry experiment stations; research facilities of the Agricultural Research Service, Forest Service, or other USDA agencies; and facilities of the Departments of Energy, Commerce, or Interior.
The network is administered by the Agricultural Research Service Administrator, in partnership with the Forest Service Chief, National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director, and Secretaries of Energy, Commerce, and Interior. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is to develop or revise biochar practice standards informed by network research and coordinate network activities with conservation standards and program support for biochar production, application, and soil health integration.