PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1376016
PUBLISHER: Grand View Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1376016
The U.S. biochar market size is expected to reach USD 478.5 million by 2030, with an estimated CAGR of 11.3 % from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.. The industry growth is majorly driven by the rising need for soil remediation and the ascending demand for organic food in the country. Increased population density and human activities such as the rise in infrastructure and industrial development have led to the degradation of soil. Some of the major causes of declined soil quality include deforestation, overgrazing, industrialization, increased agricultural activities, and natural calamities.
According to the Earthworm Foundation, in 2021, the United States faced a significant issue with soil erosion, which resulted in an estimated cost of $67.00 billion. This cost, known as externality, is not directly paid by farmers or businesses but is often shouldered by the public sector, consumers, and future generations. Furthermore, the effects of climate change have exacerbated the challenges faced by conventional agricultural supply chains in the U.S., leading to record low wheat harvests in 2021 due to drought and a significant portion of sugar beets in a critical production region going unharvested in 2019 due to flooding.
These factors have generated the need for soil remediation, especially for agricultural purposes.Biochar is considered one of the most effective and safe products for soil remediation. The addition of biochar provides nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, nitrogen, and magnesium required for plant growth. The product also improves the nutrient absorption of plants and the water-retaining capacity of the soil. Thus, the growing soil remediation in the U.S. is driving the demand for products over the period.
However, lack of awareness among farmers regarding biochar and its advantages as compared to other fertilizers is a major concern. Most of the farmers are still using synthetic pesticides for crop protection, soil amendment, and enhancement of plant growth. Factors such as the lack of consistent production standards, and varying product prices restrict the market growth. Thus, end-users including fertilizer manufacturers and farmers must be educated by soil scientists and horticulturalists about the potential benefits of using biochar. Awareness regarding the product can be increased among them via farm planning & management, crop advisors, and representatives from various seed companies.