Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced through pyrolysis of organic biomass and is increasingly recognized for its role in improving soil health, water efficiency, and long-term carbon sequestration. In the Middle East, where agriculture faces challenges such as arid climates, saline soils, and limited organic matter, biochar presents a promising solution.
This article reviews the relevance of biochar in Middle Eastern agriculture, current research initiatives, and highlights companies actively working with organic fertilizers and biochar-related inputs in the region.
Introduction
Biochar is produced by heating organic materials such as agricultural waste, manure, or plant biomass under low-oxygen conditions. The resulting material is highly porous, stable, and rich in carbon.
When applied to soil, biochar improves nutrient retention, water-holding capacity, microbial activity, and soil structure, while also locking carbon into the soil for hundreds of years.
Agricultural Challenges in the Middle East
Agriculture in the Middle East is constrained by extreme heat, low rainfall, high evaporation rates, and saline or sandy soils. These factors reduce soil fertility and crop productivity.
Biochar has demonstrated potential to mitigate these issues by improving soil moisture retention, reducing nutrient leaching, and enhancing root-zone conditions, making it particularly suitable for desert and semi-arid farming systems.
Research and Institutional Support
Several institutions in the Middle East have explored biochar applications. The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai has conducted trials showing improved biomass production in sandy soils amended with biochar.
Universities in the UAE have also studied converting local organic waste streams into biochar, supporting circular economy and waste-reduction goals.
Commercial Adoption and Industry Players
Commercial adoption of biochar in the Middle East is emerging. Green Valley Biochar (UAE) produces biochar for soil enhancement and sustainability applications.
Emirates Bio Fertilizer Factory (EBFF), based in Al Ain, is a leading organic fertilizer producer that imports and processes organic raw materials and represents a potential integration point for biochar in compost blends. RNZ Group (RNZ Agrotech), headquartered in Dubai, is one of the largest fertilizer producers and distributors in the GCC and is actively involved in organic and biofertilizer solutions suited for arid climates.
Environmental and Policy Context
Sustainability initiatives across the GCC, including soil health improvement, organic farming expansion, and carbon sequestration goals, are creating favorable conditions for biochar adoption.
Biochar aligns with national strategies for food security, waste recycling, and climate resilience.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite its benefits, biochar adoption faces challenges such as cost, limited awareness, and lack of standardized application guidelines.
However, increasing research, pilot projects, and collaboration between biochar producers and fertilizer companies are expected to accelerate adoption. Integration with existing organic fertilizer supply chains will be critical for scaling biochar use in the region.
Conclusion
Biochar offers a scientifically supported and regionally relevant solution to the Middle East’s agricultural challenges. With growing institutional research, sustainability-driven policies, and interest from major organic fertilizer producers, biochar is poised to play an important role in the future of sustainable agriculture in the GCC and wider Middle East.
References
1. Lehmann, J., & Joseph, S. (2015). Biochar for Environmental Management. Routledge.
2. International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), Dubai – Research Publications.
3. Emirates Bio Fertilizer Factory (EBFF) – Company Website: www.ebff.ae
4. RNZ Group (RNZ Agrotech) – Company Website: www.rnz-group.com
5. Gulf News (2023). Biochar from organic waste initiatives in the UAE.
6. MarkNtel Advisors. GCC Organic Fertilizer Market Report.