Broiler farmers test biochar to tackle ammonia emissions

The project, funded through the ADOPT program, brings together producers in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire with researchers and biochar specialists to evaluate the technology under real farm conditions.

While biochar has attracted increasing attention within agriculture, its use in poultry housing remains relatively unexplored, making the trial particularly relevant for producers looking for workable solutions to improve shed conditions.

Farmers lead the research

At the centre of the project is farmer and project lead Rob Collins, who believes the value of the work lies in generating robust evidence that other poultry producers can trust.

“Farmers are under increasing pressure to manage ammonia emissions while maintaining bird welfare and performance,” he says. “We wanted to test whether engineered biochar could provide a practical solution that fits into everyday farm management rather than creating additional complexity.”

The trial focuses on applying engineered biochar directly to poultry bedding. The material is produced from spruce wood through a pyrolysis process that creates a stable and highly porous product capable of absorbing and holding nutrients.

Across 4 commercial broiler farms, researchers have installed ammonia sensors to capture real-time data throughout each crop cycle. Farmers will also assess litter condition, handling characteristics and any observable changes in bird welfare.

Collins says the multi-farm approach is one of the strengths of the project: “Every poultry unit is slightly different. By running the trial across several farms we can see how biochar performs under a range of management systems and shed environments.”

Testing biochar under commercial conditions

For biochar specialist Kevin Fryer, who has worked with the material for more than 3 decades, the project represents an opportunity to demonstrate what high-quality engineered biochar can achieve in a commercial setting.

“There has been growing interest in biochar for many years, but farmers need evidence they can rely on,” he says. “This trial allows us to evaluate performance in working poultry sheds and understand whether the benefits suggested by earlier work can be replicated consistently.”

Dr David Redpath, an academic specialising in sustainable utilisation of livestock by-products, believes taking research out of controlled environments and into commercial enterprises is essential. He says applied research is most valuable when it reflects the realities of farming and will help the team understand how engineered biochar performs under genuine production conditions.

Results expected later this year

The team says ADOPT has made innovation funding more accessible and easier for farmers to navigate. Participants also highlight the value of facilitator support in coordinating partners and managing project administration.

Although results are not expected until later this year, the group hopes the project will provide clear evidence on whether engineered biochar can help reduce ammonia emissions, improve litter quality and create better conditions for birds.

If successful, it could offer poultry producers a practical new tool for improving sustainability while supporting welfare and operational efficiency.