measure its abundance in soil are necessary to verify its application and to trace the fate of
particular biochar products.
Biogeochemical characterisation techniques may also help understand the function of
biochar products in soil at the process level. With specific knowledge of the nature of
biochar-driven processes in the soil, predictive capacity for the longevity and reactions of
biochar in soil that will determine its value as a soil carbon sink and soil conditioner are
possible.
From a practical point of view it is important that the methods devised enable biochar
characteristics to be determined sufficiently rapidly and inexpensively to permit widespread
application and use.