Biochar Research Network Act of 2025

The Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a national biochar research network of up to 20 sites to comprehensively test various biochar types across diverse soil conditions, application methods, and climatic regions. This network aims to assess biochar's potential for soil carbon sequestration , climate mitigation, crop production, and soil health, while delivering science-based information to land managers. The research scope will cover agriculture, horticulture, rangeland, and forestry, investigating a broad spectrum of feedstocks, production processes, and application treatments. Key activities include cross-site experiments to fill knowledge gaps on biochar's impact on soil properties, plant growth, and greenhouse gas emissions, alongside developing mechanistic models and testing methodologies for biochar contaminants. Additionally, the network will conduct site-specific farm and forestry system assessments and pilot-scale biochar production systems. These efforts will refine promising uses and application methods to enhance productivity, increase profitability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen resilience, while also informing conservation practice standards and financial support for biochar use. Eligible entities include State agricultural and forestry experiment stations, USDA research facilities, and other federal research facilities. The network will be administered by the Agricultural Research Service in partnership with other federal agencies, and it authorizes an appropriation of $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.