Lost and Frond: Producing a Carbon-Rich Biochar Through the Pyrolysis of Palm Frond Waste

Palm frond waste is created when the leaf-like components of palm trees are removed from the tree, either through natural pruning or manual removal. This presents both an environmental and waste management challenge in California, where conventional disposal methods, such as landfilling and incineration, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and inefficient resource use. Lost and Frond proposes an innovative solution by repurposing palm fronds into biochar, a carbon-rich soil amendment that enhances soil health and serves as a tool for carbon sequestration. Through extensive research, including literature reviews, expert interviews, and biochar production trials, we assessed the feasibility, environmental impact, and market potential of a palm-based biochar. Our findings confirm that palm fronds can be effectively converted into high-quality biochar, which improves water retention, increases crop yields, and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, integrating biochar production into existing carbon credit markets offers a viable business model with multiple forms of revenue and opportunities for scalability. This project utilized multiple methods to help prove the ability of Lost and Frond to transform waste into a valuable environmental solution.

Acknowledgements

UC Santa Barbara Bren School: Al Black-Goldin, Director of Communications and Marketing; Emily Cotter, Environmental Innovation Program Manager and Lecturer; Dr. Don Fullerton, Visiting Professor; Dr. Patricia Holden, Professor; Dr. Arturo Keller, Distinguished Professor

Clint Borle, Co-founder, CORA Projects

Jeff Chemnick, Owner, Aloes in Wonderland