By Scout Nelson
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are advancing efforts to turn invasive eastern redcedar trees into a valuable agricultural resource through biochar production. A Biochar Field Day on November 3, 2026, will demonstrate how removed redcedar can be converted into biochar to improve soil health and support sustainable crop production.
The initiative aims to connect ranchers managing eastern redcedar encroachment with farmers interested in using biochar as a soil amendment. Researchers hope these partnerships will help expand biochar production and adoption across Nebraska.
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. Research has shown that biochar can improve soil carbon storage, enhance nitrogen retention, increase water-holding capacity, and reduce agricultural waste.
Eastern redcedar has become a growing concern throughout Nebraska and the Great Plains. The invasive species can reduce forage availability, disrupt native grasslands, and increase wildfire risks, making its conversion into biochar a potential environmental and agricultural solution.
The second annual Biochar Field Day will be held at a farm near Conestoga Lake near Denton, Nebraska. The event is open to ranchers, farmers, educators, tree-care professionals, and members of the public interested in learning more about biochar and its agricultural applications.
Participants will learn about biochar production, soil applications, and the potential benefits for crop production and soil health. Organizers will also discuss practical approaches for integrating biochar into farming operations.
A highlight of the event will be a live demonstration using a mobile Charboss™ unit operated by Sandhills Biochar. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the production process and gain insights into management practices and potential uses.
According to Michael Kaiser, associate professor in agronomy and horticulture, the field day is part of a broader effort to expand networks that support redcedar-derived biochar production and application. The event is also intended to encourage collaboration and information sharing among producers and industry professionals.
Participants are encouraged to carpool and bring water, lunch, a camp chair, and appropriate footwear for field conditions. The field day will take place at 9700 W. Pioneers Blvd., Denton, Nebraska.
For Registration Visit Here.
Photo Credit: freepik
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Education, Sustainable Agriculture