How did charcoal support entire ancient civilisations? What is biochar and can it support and improve today's soils and modern farming techniques?

This week Ray and Kit talk to farmer turned charcoal maker and now Nuffield Scholar, Luke Breedon. Luke runs the successful, sustainable charcoal business Slatehill Charcoal. While Luke didn’t come from a farming background, he did have a passion for woodland management and as part of his degree at RAU he completed a dissertation on the topic. Fast forward a few years and Luke has spent time farming in Australia and then for Velcourt at Down Ampney Estate. With the arrival of their first child Luke and his wife decided that they should start a venture closer to home that could fit around family life.

Since launching Slatehill charcoal, predominantly selling into the BBQ charcoal market, Luke has had a fascination with biochar. Following this interest through to completing a Nuffield scholarship and travelling around the world to learn more about how biochar can be used on farms. Luke shares some amazing insights with the pair and helps explain the four pillars that he sees to building a successful biochar business along with how farmers can get the most from biochar application.

As ever Brash Ag brings you real insights from real innovators and pioneers in the world of farming and technology