Pyrolysis brings promise to prairie farms

December 06, 2025

key points from this story:

• Science drives agricultural innovation
• Pyrolysis converts waste to biochar
• Biochar improves soil and stores carbon
• Waste sources include crops and manure
• Rural logistics pose cost challenges
• Small plants could boost efficiency

It is easy to sit in awe of the constant advancements being made by science and technology. At times the steps are so large, dynamic, paradigm shifting it is almost scary – perhaps the reason of the backlash of the few, (vocal as they may be) who fear science. But without science we are back in the Dark Ages, and we most definitely need to look boldly to the future not regress.

So when I saw a recent producer.com article about the installation of a pyrolysis system on a Regina area farm I was intrigued. The idea is that the unit will turn crop waste into biochar. Biochar – and I admit I had to read the article to know what it is – is a product which enhances soil and sequesters carbon.