Fresno-based CharLoam Co. is an early-stage soil-health business founded by Aristedes Aguilera with the goal of bringing biochar-based soil amendments to local farmers and growers.
Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich, charcoal-like material produced by heating organic material in an environment with little or no oxygen. The CharLoam name combines biochar and loam, a soil composed of sand, silt and clay.
Aguilera, who is originally from Chile, has long been interested in agriculture, environmental issues and soil health. He says connections with people in agriculture in both the U.S. and Chile also helped shape that interest.
CharLoam remains a small operation, with Aguilera describing the business as being at the farmers market level. He is experimenting with products, exploring funding and considering a Kickstarter campaign.
Business Journal spoke with Aguilera about how a barbecue hobby led him to biochar, the potential he sees in agricultural waste and what he wants CharLoam to become.
How did you become interested in biochar?
Aguilera says his interest began while making charcoal for barbecuing. As he learned more about the process, he began researching biochar and its potential agricultural applications.
“I did more research and realized this could be really good for the soils that don’t have organic matter or structure — this can help. Instead of the agricultural waste that gets put into landfills or burnt, this was a solution to many problems,” Aguilera said.
How is biochar made?
There are several methods of producing biochar, Aguilera says. One common method involves heating organic material such as wood chips, orchard prunings or crop waste at high temperatures with little or no oxygen.
The process, known as pyrolysis, prevents the material from burning completely and leaves behind a carbon-rich, charcoal-like material.
Where does CharLoam get its material?
Aguilera says CharLoam works with local farmers to source raw wood from the region. The company uses local agricultural materials to produce biochar and hardwood charcoal.
How does CharLoam prepare its biochar for agricultural use?
CharLoam’s process includes curing raw biochar with local compost before it is sold as a soil amendment. Aguilera says the process is intended to prepare the biochar for use in soil.
How large is the operation right now?
Aguilera describes CharLoam as a small-scale operation that is currently at the farmers market stage. He says the company remains experimental, with products available while he continues refining them.
Do you ultimately want farmers to buy your biochar or learn to make their own?
“We are trying to make these soil amendments to give back to the soil. We are always taking and taking and farmers only start worrying about soil health when they can’t grow anything,” Aguilera said. “It’s a commercial operation but eventually I want to start a workshop for farmers at no charge to teach them how to make their own biochar. They’ll realize how much hard work it is.”
What do you want CharLoam to accomplish beyond selling a product?
“I want this product to inform people to learn to use their waste for their own benefits. A lot of small farmers don’t have the budget to make their own biochar so we want to give them those products. It’s really important for this to bring farmers together so they can share information.”
