2025/2026 – 3rd Eco-Patrol at Vodice Elementary School: Biochar and its role in agriculture
- 15. 4. 2026.
- 11:55
On April 9, 2026, the third workshop of the "Kornati – It's Important to Know 10 Things About the Sea" project was held at the premises of Vodice Elementary School, conducted as part of the Argonaut Association's Eco-Patrol program.
This workshop was dedicated to the topic of biochar – an innovative and environmentally friendly material that is increasingly being used in sustainable agriculture. The workshop was made especially valuable by the guest facilitator, Ms. Suzana Suman, whose expert knowledge further brought this interesting topic closer to the students.
In the theoretical part, students were introduced to the process of biochar formation, its properties, and its role in mitigating climate change. Biochar is obtained from biomass such as wood and plant residues through a process called pyrolysis, that is, heating in the absence of oxygen. In this way, carbon is stabilized and retained in the soil, thereby reducing its emission into the atmosphere.
Special emphasis was placed on its application in agriculture. Students learned how biochar improves soil structure, increases its ability to retain water and nutrients, and promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms. Its use also contributes to long-term carbon sequestration in the soil, thereby reducing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Additionally, its production supports the circular economy because organic waste is used.
After the theoretical part, the students participated in a practical activity during which they transplanted two cypress and two lavender seedlings each. One seedling was planted with the addition of biochar, while the other was not, so that the students could observe the difference in the plants' growth and development firsthand. This approach enables learning through experimentation and a better understanding of the impact of biochar on soil and plant quality.
In the coming months, students will regularly monitor the growth of their seedlings, record changes, and compare results, thereby developing investigative skills and a deeper understanding of natural processes. Additionally, a planting event is planned for the fall, during which students will once again have the opportunity to work with biochar and soil and further deepen their knowledge and practical skills. This approach fosters a long-term understanding of the importance of preserving soil and natural resources and the development of generations that actively participate in protecting the environment.
This workshop was dedicated to the topic of biochar – an innovative and environmentally friendly material that is increasingly being used in sustainable agriculture. The workshop was made especially valuable by the guest facilitator, Ms. Suzana Suman, whose expert knowledge further brought this interesting topic closer to the students.
In the theoretical part, students were introduced to the process of biochar formation, its properties, and its role in mitigating climate change. Biochar is obtained from biomass such as wood and plant residues through a process called pyrolysis, that is, heating in the absence of oxygen. In this way, carbon is stabilized and retained in the soil, thereby reducing its emission into the atmosphere.
Special emphasis was placed on its application in agriculture. Students learned how biochar improves soil structure, increases its ability to retain water and nutrients, and promotes the development of beneficial microorganisms. Its use also contributes to long-term carbon sequestration in the soil, thereby reducing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Additionally, its production supports the circular economy because organic waste is used.
After the theoretical part, the students participated in a practical activity during which they transplanted two cypress and two lavender seedlings each. One seedling was planted with the addition of biochar, while the other was not, so that the students could observe the difference in the plants' growth and development firsthand. This approach enables learning through experimentation and a better understanding of the impact of biochar on soil and plant quality.
In the coming months, students will regularly monitor the growth of their seedlings, record changes, and compare results, thereby developing investigative skills and a deeper understanding of natural processes. Additionally, a planting event is planned for the fall, during which students will once again have the opportunity to work with biochar and soil and further deepen their knowledge and practical skills. This approach fosters a long-term understanding of the importance of preserving soil and natural resources and the development of generations that actively participate in protecting the environment.
