Taking commercial apple production to Net Zero

End-of-life apple orchards are currently managed using the environmentally unsustainable practice of grubbing and burning. In this project we will investigate the use of pyrolysis as an alternative more sustainable approach. Pyrolysis converts biomass to biochar in a clean, heat-generating process. This stabilises the carbon effectively removes CO2, avoiding the emissions associated with burning. The resulting biochar will be investigated as a soil improver for increased orchard yields and productivity. The potential of carbon credits as a new revenue stream opportunity for growers, and for carbon auditing within supply chains (off-setting and in-setting) will further improve the economic resilience of the apple growing sector. This will support the transition of the commercial apple growing sector towards Net Zero.

Please refer to the additional information provided in support of the PCR.