原文摘要 | The IBI Biochar Standards provide a standardized definition of biochar and biochar characteristics related to the use of biochar as a soil amendment. They have been developed by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) in collaboration with a wide variety of industry and academic experts and through public input on an international level. The IBI Biochar Standards were created to encourage further development of the biochar industry by providing standardized information regarding the characterization of biochar materials to assist in achieving more consistent levels of product quality. In addition to providing product definition and qualitative specification standards, this document has been developed to assist biochar manufacturers in providing consumers with consistent access to credible information regarding qualitative and physicochemical properties of biochar. The IBI Biochar Standards are designed to support the IBI Biochar Certification Program. Separately, the IBI Biochar Standards are also intended for use by various national and regional product standards bodies, and national and regional biochar groups for their own local adaptation and use, and as a reference in regulatory situations, as may be appropriate. The IBI Biochar Standards were developed as a means of providing information and market certainty about the attributes of biochars for use in soil applications. Ultimately, the use and promotion of these IBI Biochar Standards will build consumer and regulatory confidence about biochar, through the provision of consistent and reliable information regarding biochar properties. Biochar can be made from a variety of feedstocks, using a variety of different production processes, and can possess many different attributes. The consistent reporting of biochar properties will ensure that pertinent information about biochars for use in soil applications is systematically communicated, regardless of feedstock type, production process, or final properties. IBI developed the IBI Biochar Standards in a transparent process open to public participation, review, and input. Throughout the development process IBI relied upon the drafting, review, and guidance of experts in the field, ensuring an efficient path from concept to final product, and addressing the needs of a broad range of commercial biochar manufacturers and end users. As the document was developed, public input from the larger international biochar community was continuously sought to provide a wider perspective on the use and functionality of this tool. The design of the IBI Biochar Standards follows current best practices and available science. As biochar science continues to improve, the IBI Biochar Standards will be updated in an iterative process in order to remain current. Therefore these IBI Biochar Standards and this document will be periodically revised through further consultation with the international biochar community. |