Growing crops in Quang Chu commune, Vietnam

After receiving a biochar boost, the vegetable crops are growing well on Le Thi Luan’s smallholding in Quang Chu commune. She is one of 35 farmers in Vietnam’s Bac Kan province to be trained in the use of biochar as an organic alternative to chemical fertilisers. The Biochar for Sustainable Soils project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, focuses on researching and promoting biochar’s ability to help the soil retain nutrients and water. Luan’s rice and maize yield has increased by 15 – 20% thanks to its usage and the soil is easier to plough.