Biochar Could Help Organic Farmers Transition Land Faster—Here's How

A new soil amendment strategy combining biochar, compost, and beneficial microbes could make it easier for farmers to transition conventional land into productive organic systems. Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing this approach with support from a $960,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, addressing a critical challenge as more farmers turn to organic production to weather extreme weather events and market volatility.

Why Are Farmers Turning to Organic?

The certified organic sector is growing rapidly. The number of certified organic operations has roughly doubled over the last 15 years, with more than 3.5 million acres of cropland now certified organic. This shift reflects both consumer demand—over 80% of U.S. households purchase organic food—and farmer interest in climate resilience. As extreme weather events such as record-setting temperatures, flooding, and prolonged drought threaten conventional agriculture, some farmers are hedging their bets by transitioning to organic production.

However, the transition comes with significant barriers. To be certified organic, farmers must follow stringent and expensive production rules, and they gamble that premium prices for organic products will offset these costs. For small- and medium-sized farms, this financial risk can be prohibitive, especially when transitioning land that isn't yet ready for organic farming.

What Is Biochar and How Does It Work?

The key to the Mizzou research is biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by heating organic waste such as wood or crop residues in low-oxygen environments. The material has a high surface area and porosity, which gives it several advantages for soil health. "We want to help small- and medium-sized farms transition land that is not currently ready for organic farming into productive organic systems," explains Caixia "Ellen" Wan, an associate professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Missouri.

Biochar works by improving multiple aspects of soil function simultaneously. When combined with compost and beneficial microbes, it helps retain nutrients, improves soil structure, boosts microbial activity, and builds stable soil. These improvements are especially valuable for organic farmers who cannot rely on synthetic fertilizers to compensate for poor soil conditions.

How to Implement Biochar-Based Soil Amendments

• Combine Three Components: The research strategy pairs biochar with compost and beneficial microbes to create a comprehensive soil amendment that addresses multiple fertility challenges at once.
• Focus on Vegetable Production First: The Mizzou team is initially concentrating on vegetable crops rather than large-scale row crops like corn or soybeans, allowing them to demonstrate effectiveness before expanding to other agricultural systems.
• Partner with Extension Services: The research team is working with MU Extension on outreach activities, including field days and grower conferences, to help farmers learn and implement the technology.

What Results Are Researchers Expecting?

Wan anticipates that the biochar-based soil amendment strategies will improve soil health, increase crop yields, and boost profitability for farmers transitioning to organic production. The research team includes an interdisciplinary group of experts: Xiaoping Xin, an assistant professor in Mizzou's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Timothy Reinbott from University of Missouri Extension; researchers from Lincoln University; and scientists from the USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory.

This collaborative approach reflects the complexity of the challenge. "I'm excited about the practical applications and the collaborative nature of this work," Wan said. "It brings together experts from different fields to pursue integrated solutions and allows me to combine engineering with agricultural systems in a meaningful way".

The Broader Context: Policy Support for Organic Growth

While research innovations like biochar are advancing, organic farmers are also advocating for stronger policy support. The Organic Farmers Association recently conducted a farmer fly-in to Washington, D.C., where 33 farmers from 19 states conducted over 80 meetings with Representatives, Senators, and USDA officials. Their focus included the pending Farm Bill, which will reauthorize agricultural programs through 2026 and beyond.

The proposed Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 includes some wins for organic farmers, such as language from the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act and an amendment allowing the USDA to develop risk-based organic certification procedures to reduce burden on low-risk producers. However, the bill represents a missed opportunity to invest more heavily in organic sector growth, with flat funding for organic research, certification cost-share, and technical assistance.

As climate volatility increases and consumer demand for organic products continues to grow, innovations like biochar-enhanced soil amendments could help bridge the gap between farmer aspirations and economic reality. By making the transition to organic farming faster and more profitable, these tools may accelerate the shift toward more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems across the United States.