Biochar is made by heating organic material like wood, crop waste, or manure in a low-oxygen environment, a process called pyrolysis.

How does biochar work?

Biochar works by improving soil structure, retaining nutrients and water, and supporting beneficial organisms.

How does biochar help in carbon sequestration?

Biochar stabilizes carbon for hundreds to thousands of years by locking it in a solid form that won’t decompose or re-enter the atmosphere.

How does biochar sequester carbon?

Carbon from biomass is captured in a porous solid form during pyrolysis and remains stored long-term when applied to soil.

How does biochar remove CO₂ from the air?

Biochar locks in carbon from biomass that originally captured CO₂ through photosynthesis, indirectly removing it from the air.

How does biochar work and when doesn't it?

Biochar works best when activated or inoculated before application. It may not perform well in sterile or already high-carbon soils without additional treatment or integration.

How does biochar capture CO₂?

It captures carbon by converting biomass into a stable form during pyrolysis, preventing it from returning to the atmosphere.

How is biochar prepared?

After pyrolysis, biochar is screened, rinsed, and optionally inoculated to maximize effectiveness.

How is biochar formed?

Biochar is formed through thermal decomposition of organic matter in a low-oxygen environment during pyrolysis.

Biochar can be used in gardens, compost piles, lawns, ponds, livestock bedding, filtration systems, and manure pits. Activation or inoculation before use can enhance performance.

Natural Oil Spill Cleanup in Iowa: How We Restore Water Safely

When the recent oil spill in the West Nishnabotna River made headlines, I started getting messages:

“Can your company help clean this up?”

The answer is yes — and I want to explain how.

I’m Jessica Niskin, founder of Show Me The Carbon, a local Iowa-based company that specializes in natural oil spill cleanup and eco-friendly water remediation. We work with nature — not against it — using a combination of biochar, beneficial bacteria, and biodegradable materials to clean up petroleum spills, sludge, and other hydrocarbon contamination.

If you’re a landowner, farmer, or agency looking for a cleaner, safer way to restore a polluted site — keep reading.

🔹 1. Biochar for Oil Absorption

We manufacture our own micronized biochar, a carbon-rich material with high surface area. Think of it like a sponge that pulls oil, chemicals, and toxins out of the water or soil. It’s completely biodegradable and leaves the land better than it found it.

🔹 2. Oil-Eating Microbes (Oleophilic Bacteria)

We use natural, non-pathogenic microbes that feed on hydrocarbons. These bacteria break down oil into safe byproducts like water and carbon dioxide. It’s real, regenerative hydrocarbon cleanup powered by nature.

🔹 3. Biosurfactants for Natural Emulsification

Biosurfactants are plant- or microbe-derived agents that help oil break into smaller droplets so microbes can digest it faster. Ours are safe, fully biodegradable, and ideal for eco-friendly oil spill treatment.

Our 5-Step Cleanup Process:

We mix a custom blend of biochar, microbes, nutrients, and biosurfactants
We apply the blend directly to the contaminated area
The biochar absorbs the oil, giving microbes a place to live and work
The bacteria begin digesting hydrocarbons
We monitor and reapply if needed until the site recovers

Why This Method Matters

Unlike chemical dispersants or synthetic treatments, our method is:

✅ Wildlife-safe
✅ Effective on both water and land
✅ 100% biodegradable
✅ Made locally and carbon-negative

Whether it’s an active spill or ongoing contamination from a farm or field, we can help restore it — naturally.

Ready to Restore?

I live here. I care about our rivers, lakes, and soil. And I’ve built a system that works naturally, safely, and effectively. If you want help — or just want to talk through options — reach out. I’ll give you straight answers and real support.

📞 Call or Text: 305-790-0044
✉️ Email: support@showmethecarbon.com
🌐 Website: www.showmethecarbon.com

Let’s bring clean water and healthy soil back to Iowa — one site at a time.

— Jessica
Founder, Show Me The Carbon

View of a MIdwestern River surrounded by trees in Iowa, highlighting the need for natural waterway restoration after an oil spill. — A Midwestern river like the West Nishnabotna, where oil spill recovery is urgently needed.

Natural Oil Spill Cleanup in Iowa | Show Me The Carbon