Agricultural and forestry industries generate significant amounts of biomass waste every year, much of which is disposed of through practices like burning or landfilling

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Qualterra, Inc. $174,998 on September 30, 2025, under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program (CFDA 10.212) to design, assemble, and test a 12X scaled biomass processing system that converts agricultural and forestry waste into biochar and energy.

The project will focus on re-engineering key components including thermal management systems and material handling processes to optimize performance and scalability. Qualterra will conduct testing at its research facility in Pullman, Washington to assess biochar yield and energy output, with results informing the design of a larger modular system for industrial-scale deployment. The work addresses biomass waste disposal challenges including air emissions and soil nutrient depletion by creating an alternative to burning and landfilling practices. Enhanced soil health, improved water conservation, and increased crop yield represent intended agronomic and economic benefits to farmers, forest managers, and rural communities.

Performance of work occurs at Qualterra's research facility in Pullman, Washington, with ultimate completion scheduled for May 30, 2027. This Phase I SBIR award represents preliminary development of technical feasibility for the scaled system prior to potential Phase II funding.

These disposal methods contribute to air emissions, soil nutrient depletion, and missed opportunities to recover valuable resources. This project addresses these challenges by developing a large-scale system that transforms biomass waste into biochar and energy. Biochar enhances soil health, conserves water, and improves crop yield, offering meaningful agronomic and economic benefits for farmers, forest and land managers, and communities. By providing an avenue for processing high volumes of biomass waste while reducing harmful disposal practices, this project promotes economic growth, responsible land management, and community resilience. This work involves a novel engineering effort to scale qualterra's existing biomass processing unit technology. The project will focus on designing, assembling, and testing an innovative 12X biomass processing system that can handle large volumes of waste efficiently. Using advanced engineering techniques, the system will be optimized for reliable energy recovery and high-quality biochar production. Key components, such as thermal management systems and material handling processes, will be RE-engineered to improve performance and scalability. The system will be tested at qualterra's research facility to assess its performance, including biochar yield and energy output. Lessons learned during testing will guide the design of a larger, modular system capable of meeting the needs of industrial-scale users. This project aims to help agricultural and forestry industries convert waste into valuable resources. In addition to reduced biomass waste, benefits include improved soil fertility, reduced emissions from waste disposal, and economic opportunities for rural and agricultural communities. By advancing the development of scalable biomass processing technology, this project contributes to long-term operational solutions for agricultural and forestry stakeholders.