Taking commercial apple production to Net Zero

目前，报废苹果园的管理采用的是一种对环境不可持续的做法，即采摘和焚烧。在这个项目中，我们将研究使用热解作为一种更可持续的替代方法。热解将生物质转化为生物炭，这是一种清洁、发热的过程。这样可以稳定碳，有效地去除二氧化碳，避免与燃烧相关的排放。由此产生的生物炭将作为土壤改良剂进行研究，以提高果园产量和生产力。碳信用作为种植者的新收入来源机会的潜力，以及供应链中的碳审计（抵消和补偿）将进一步提高苹果种植部门的经济弹性。这将支持商业苹果种植业向净零的过渡。请参考为支持PCR而提供的其他信息。

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.