The Biochar Podcast presented by ANZBIG features experts speaking about Biochar, how it's made, its uses and applications, and the impacts it has socially, economically and environmentally.
ANZBIG is a not-for-profit industry group, and as a global leader in biochar, assists companies, governments, and institutions in the effective production and use of biochar. ANZBIG works to streamline education, research, collaboration, and the commercial uptake of biochar.
Our aim is to help create a more sustainable future, greater economic prosperity and an improved quality of life for all of us.
On the Ground Podcast – Episode 2: Sports Turf with Biochar
How can biochar transform sports turf management into a profitable, sustainable practice?
In this episode, we sit down with James Gaspard, CEO of Biochar Now (USA), to unpack a groundbreaking California golf course case study. After investing ~$300,000 AUD in biochar, the course achieved nearly $3 million in water savings over six years — delivering a return on investment in just six months.
We cover:
How biochar improves turf resilience, aesthetics, and soil health
The measurable ROI of water savings and reduced inputs
What makes turf an emerging, lucrative market for biochar worldwide
Practical lessons for golf courses, sports fields, and turf managers in Australia & New Zealand
Learn more in The Farmer’s Guide to Biochar by Paul Taylor & Stephen Joseph: https://www.anzbig.org/farmers-guide.html
27 Aug 2025
Fruit & Veg with Biochar — On-the-Ground Series
In the first episode of ANZBIG’s on-the-ground series, we dive into two real-world horticulture trials featured in our Farmer’s Guide. Mayo Ryan (CTOS Group) walks us through a vineyard biochar trial—covering the site, soils, climate, biochar type and rates, and how it was applied alongside practices like compost and irrigation management. Then Russell Burnett (Rainbow Bee Eater) shares the Ballarat potato trial—trial design, soil/treatment layout, biochar incorporation, and adjustments to inputs.
Together we explore early signals in soil moisture, nutrient cycling, structure, vine health and grape quality, plus what’s emerging on potato yields, profitability, and input efficiency. You’ll also hear the challenges, what they’d do differently, and practical advice for growers considering biochar.
👉 Download the Farmer’s Guide (digital or paperback): https://www.anzbig.org/farmers-guide.html
🎧 Next up: Sports Turf & Biochar—our Californian golf course case with James Gaspard (Biochar Now), where a A$300k biochar purchase at ~A$3,000/t delivered nearly A$3M in water savings over six years—~6-month payback.
29 Jul 2025
Unpacking the Carbon Farming Revolution
In this episode, ANZBIG Cluster Manager Sam Zagami sits down with a Louisa Kiely, CEO of Carbon Management Services, a leading voice in carbon farming to explore:What sparked her journey into carbon farming and low-carbon agriculture? Why does she say that “soil carbon is the largest carbon sink over which we have control”—and what does that mean for Australia's climate goals and rural economies?We also discuss what governments still need to do to unlock the full carbon farming opportunity, and how farmers and investors alike can position themselves to benefit. Finally, we tackle the tough questions around credibility and integrity: how can carbon farming avoid the same pitfalls that have plagued carbon offsetting?This is a grounded, insightful conversation for anyone interested in climate resilience, future farming, and turning soil into a climate solution.Connect with Louisa via: Carbon Management Services (https://carbonmgtservices.com/ ) and be sure to check out and attend the upcoming National Carbon Farming Conference (https://nationalcarbonfarmingconference.com/).
2 Jun 2025
Enabling a Regulatory Framework for Biochar in a Circular Economy World
Industry experts discuss regulatory gaps in waste, carbon, and agriculture that impact biochar adoption, providing strategies for navigating permitting and building enabling frameworks in this informative episode.
29 Apr 2025
Biochar in Carbon Markets
This interactive podcast-style webinar brings together industry leaders, carbon market experts, and biochar practitioners to discuss how biochar supports the circular economy and carbon removal markets. The session provided insights into monetising biochar, its role in carbon credit generation, and how to scale industry adoption.
25 Mar 2025
Biochar & Water Management: Innovations for Market Development and Circular Economy Outcomes
Biochar and Water Management: Innovations for Market Development and Circular Economy Outcomes. In this session, we’ll explore how converting wastewater biosolids into nutrient-rich biochar can drastically reduce disposal costs, lower carbon emissions, and boost water retention in soils. Discover how these innovative processes are unlocking new revenue streams and driving sustainable market growth while advancing circular economy outcomes.
4 Mar 2025
Unlocking the Power of Biochar Compost: Benefits, ROI, and On-Farm Success Stories
This episode brings together AORA (https://aora.org.au/) and ANZBIG to explore the powerful synergy of biochar and compost for farmers, compost producers, and sustainability stakeholders. The discussion will focus on practical insights for improving soil health, boosting crop yields, achieving measurable ROI, and contributing to the circular economy. The episode features real-world case studies from the ANZBIG Farmers' Guide (https://anzbig.org/farmers-guide-2024/) and proven strategies for implementing biochar compost systems on the ground.
24 Oct 2023
Biochar's Role in Water: Enhancing Water-Holding Capacity for Economic Growth and Healthy Ecosystems
ANZBIG celebrates Water Week by focusing today's episode on Biochar in Water: Enhancing Water-Holding Capacity for Economic Growth and Healthy Ecosystems.
Cluster Manager Sam Zagami is joined by Wendy Timms from Deakin University, where they explore biochar's water-holding capacity and its role in promoting healthy ecosystems and driving economic growth. They also delve into its positive impact on soil moisture and carbon storage, its contributions to drought resilience and food security, and more.
Wendy brings over 30 years of experience in water and porous earth engineering projects, research, and training. As a Chartered Engineer (Civil/Environmental) and environmental scientist, she has worked in consulting, government, and academia. Wendy currently serves as a Professor of Environmental Engineering at Deakin University, where she teaches waste-to-resources engineering, water engineering, and geology. She leads a dedicated research team in areas such as water and energy below ground, carbon sequestration, and biochar.
You can connect with Wendy through ANZBIG at anzbig.org or reach out to her directly at wendy.timms@deakin.edu.au (mailto:wendy.timms@deakin.edu.au)
10 Oct 2023
Rethinking Carbon using Biochar for Climate Action and Circular Economy
Join us as Craig Bagnall, Director of SEATA Group and Catalyst Environmental Management, as well as an Executive Board Member of ANZBIG, speaks with Sam Zagami, ANZBIG Cluster Manager. Together, they delve into the compelling potential of biochar in displacing fossil carbon. In this enlightening podcast episode, Craig explores both soil and non-soil applications of biochar, presenting global examples that showcase its diverse usage. Discover how biochar can effectively draw down carbon and learn about the instrumental role the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap plays in propelling biochar into the mainstream in Australia and New Zealand.
19 Sept 2023
The Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap Launched
We are back! Our last podcast in 2022, ANZBIG was fundraising for the Biochar Summit and the world-first Biochar Roadmap. In June this year 2023, we launched the Australian Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap. For our first episode back after a little hyatis Cluster Manager Sam Zagami speaks with ANZBIG CEO Don Coyne giving a snapshot of what ANZBIG has been doing over the past year: The journey from the Biochar Summit last year, ANZBIG international events, launching the Roadmap in June this year and the plan moving forward for ANZBIG.
To get read the roadmap and get involved head to our website https://anzbig.org/biochar-industry-2030-roadmap/ (www.anzbig.org)
14 Apr 2022
Carbon Markets, Credits, Removal & Biochar
Philip Link and Michael Hallam from EnergyLink Services (https://www.energylinkservices.com.au/) discuss the key changes to the Puro.earth (http://puro.earth/) biochar carbon removal methodology, the implications and opportunities of these changes, market dynamics, the role of verification and how they see the market evolving on the supply and demand side.
To find out how your project can be Puro.earth verified reach out to Philip at EnergyLink Services (https://www.energylinkservices.com.au).
Contact Details: E: philip@energylinkservices.com.au, W: https://www.energylinkservices.com.au
29 Sept 2021
Why is it important to test your biochar?
On today's episode we discuss the testing requirements for biochar to meet ANZBIG’s Code of Practice for the new sustainable production and use of biochar in Australia and New Zealand. To help us discuss the topic we have Graham Lancaster, Senior Manager - Commercial & Research Operations, at Environmental Analysis Laboratory / Analytical Research Laboratory at Southern Cross University.
Graham shares:
What biochar testing suites EAL is offering and how it meets the requirements of ANZBIG’s Code of Practice
What are the critical tests that biochars need to pass and what producers and users should look out for when analysing their biochars
What qualifies a laboratory to be NAATA Certified and why its important to use accredited labs for analysing chars
23 Sept 2021
Biochar's effects on soil and plants
On today's episode we will be discussing a scientific paper just out entitled How biochar works and when it doesn't: A review of mechanisms controlling soil and plant responses to biochar
We discuss:
The key or most consistent properties and benefits of biochar
The key components and stages of the mechanisms of biochar effects on soil and plants
Biochars role in supporting food security
The effects on climate change mitigation
Biochar’s role in the circular economy
Our guest today is Annette Cowie from NSW DPI & Univ New England. Annette has a background in soil science and plant nutrition, with particular interest in sustainable resource management. She contributes to development of climate change policy and GHG mitigation in the agriculture sector, including GHG accounting for emissions trading at state, national and international levels. Annette was a lead author in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Land, and is a lead author in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report.
16 Sept 2021
Life Cycle Assessments for biochar projects
In this episode we discuss the role of Life Cycle Assessments for biochar projects and the role they will play in technology roll out and scaling. We will discuss the various components of the Life Cycle Assessment including the keys to open carbon markets.
Philip Link, Managing Director of Energy Link Services (https://www.energylinkservices.com.au/) joins us as our guest to discuss the topic. Philip has 15 years experience in management consulting, advisory and assurance across a number of vastly diverse interests within clean tech: from carbon management, energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels, sustainability and climate disclosure and economic and cost benefit analysis.
EnergyLink Services is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm and project developer with specialist expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency and emissions. They are passionate about helping their clients reduce their energy consumption and to undergo energy efficiency upgrades and are the only puro.earth authorised auditor in Australia.
1 Sept 2021
Can renewable diesel create a new carbon circular economy?
In this episode we discuss biochar’s role in renewable diesel production, the components of the pyrolysis and gasification process, its applications, the economics (including: job opportunities, a circular economy) and the keys to open carbon markets.
Our guest is Jennifer Lauber Patterson (https://www.frontierimpact.com.au/jennifer-lauber-paterson), Managing Director of Frontier Impact Group (https://www.frontierimpact.com.au/). Jennifer is a pioneer in climate solutions with 30+ years experience in banking and energy companies, environmental markets (particularly carbon markets) and sustainable solutions. She pioneered one of the first green electricity deals 25 years ago, and started the first carbon markets business at ANZ bank in the early 2000’s. A key passion for Jennifer is to demonstrate how bioenergy can support the regeneration of the Australian landscape and present farmers with opportunity to diversify their income streams and develop a circular economy.
Recently Frontier Impact Group established a joint venture (https://www.frontierimpact.com.au/single-post/carbon-negative-renewable-fuels-joint-venture-announced) with Carnarvon Petroleum Ltd, to produce the first commercial-scale renewable diesel bio-refinery in Western Australia. A process to utilise waste biomass and produce renewable diesel, high-quality biochar and wood vinegar using a sustainable process that is carbon negative.
25 Aug 2021
Biochar’s role in protected cropping
On this episode we discuss biochar’s role in protected cropping; growing plants in controlled environments. We discuss the various components of the pyrolysis and gasification process, their applications and the economics including the keys to open carbon markets.
Our guest is Peter Burgess, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-burgess-214497119/) Managing Director of Rainbow Bee Eater (https://www.rainbowbeeeater.com.au/) and ANZBIG's Vice Chair. Peter envisions the major roles for bioenergy and biochar. He has over thirty years of operational and commercial experience in industrial mining as an engineer, manager and leader.
Rainbow Bee Eater’s mission is to be a world-leading carbon sequestration and renewable energy business. ECHO2, the first commercial process that they have developed, produces low cost, hydrogen-rich Syngas and high-quality Biochar from organic residues such as agricultural crop and timber wastes that would otherwise be burned or land-filled.
The first commercial demonstration module was commissioned at Holla Fresh (https://www.holla-fresh.com.au/about.html), a hydroponics herb grower in Mt Gambier, South Australia in 2019.
Microsoft (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/microsoft-include-anz-biochar-mixed-portfolio-don-coyne/), Shopify and other entities seeking to become carbon neutral, purchased ECHO2 carbon removal certificates (CORCs) via Puro.earth (https://puro.earth/) exchange in 2020.
The next ECHO2 module projects are being planned in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
18 Aug 2021
Why is ANZBIG's code of practice important for the ANZ biochar sector?
ANZBIG's code of practice is currently in development. In this episode, we will look at the objectives of the code, common definitions used in the industry, feedstocks that can be used, best practices for production, handling and packing, the different grades under the code, and their uses as well as achieving ANZBIG certification.
Our guest is Nigel Murphy, ANZBIG's Chair and Founder and Director Earth Systems (https://earthsystems.com.au/) and Cyclic Carbon (https://www.esenergy.com.au/). Nigel's companies have been actively innovating and commercialising technology in the Cleantech sector over the last 25 years including biochar. His biochar experience covers product development, IP protection, capital raising, commercialisation, and market development. With degrees in environmental and earth sciences and experience in working in Australia, China, S.E. Asia, Africa and the Pacific, he has provided technical advice to companies, government, financial institutions and the aid sector in environmental science, cleantech and environmental management.
Nigel is an Honorary Life Member of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand and was the foundation Chair of the Certified Environmental Practitioner Scheme for Australia and New Zealand (CEnvP). He is also the current Chair of the Victorian Cleantech Cluster.
17 Aug 2021
Biochar in Infrastructure
Many people new to biochar are surprised to hear that it can not only be used in agriculture but can also be used in Infrastructure. In fact, Biochar can be used in a variety of industrial applications, including roads, concrete, and asphalt to name a few. On today's show, we welcome Foundational Member of ANZBIG (https://anzbig.org), Founder and Director of NewWorld Pavement Solution (https://www.nps.world/)s and CarbonCor Products Australia (https://carboncorproducts.com/australia/), Andre Van Zyl.
Andre is a Chemical Engineer who has specialized knowledge and skills in road surfacing technology, especially in the development, manufacture, and installation of environmentally friendly emulsified cold road-premix material, for both new urban and remote infrastructure development areas. He has been instrumental in the further development and re-design of a new and revolutionary Carboncor product range of road and construction materials which are now available and being rolled out internationally. Andre now resides in Perth, Western Australia.
Our first podcast series, 'Biochar in the Drawdown Decade,' is part of the lead-up to our annual conference this October 2021. Visit our website www.anzbig.org (https://anzbig.org) to find out more about our conference or to become a member.
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