The course supports the green transition in agriculture by linking sustainable farming, climate action and competence-oriented learning. It helps learners and educators understand how agricultural systems can contribute to climate protection and circular resource use.

Relevant priorities include:

• Environment and fight against climate change
• Innovative learning and teaching practices
• Strengthening employability
• Creating and promoting learning opportunities among all citizens and generations
• Improving the competences of adult educators
• Digitalisation
• Inclusion and Diversity
• Promoting active citizenship
• Common values and civic engagement & participation

The course focuses on biochar as an agricultural application within the wider Circular Carbon Economy. It connects carbon cycles, biomass resources and soil-related benefits with practical farming examples.

Main topics include:

• Circular Carbon Economy in agriculture
• Biomass resources and biomass utilisation
• Carbon cycles in agricultural systems
• Sustainable farming systems
• Biochar production and pyrolysis
• Physical and chemical properties of biochar
• Biochar applications in agriculture
• Soil fertility and nutrient retention
• Climate protection and carbon sequestration
• Sustainability and resource efficiency

The course is suitable for participants who want to understand the role of biochar in sustainable agriculture and circular resource management. It can be adapted for VET, adult education, CPD and agricultural advisory contexts.

Potential participants include:

• Agricultural VET learners and apprentices
• Young learners in agriculture, approximately 17-20 years old
• Vocational teachers and trainers in agriculture
• Adult learners and professionals interested in sustainable agriculture
• Agricultural advisors and facilitators
• Farmers and farm staff interested in climate-friendly farming
• Sustainability educators and CPD providers
• Organisations working on soil, biomass, climate action or circular economy topics

After completing the course, participants will understand how biochar can be connected to sustainable agriculture, climate protection and circular resource use.

Participants will be able to:

• explain the basic principles of Circular Carbon Economy in agriculture;
• describe carbon cycles within agricultural systems;
• identify biomass resources and discuss their potential use;
• understand basic biochar production processes and pyrolysis;
• describe key physical and chemical properties of biochar;
• recognise possible agricultural applications of biochar;
• discuss links between biochar, soil fertility, nutrient retention and carbon sequestration;
• analyse sustainability challenges in farming systems;
• develop first ideas for integrating biochar into agricultural education, farm practice or advisory work;
• strengthen communication, teamwork, critical thinking and systems-oriented reflection.

Biochar in Agriculture and Circular Carbon Economy introduces participants to biochar as a practical and future-oriented topic for sustainable farming systems. The course explores how biomass resources, carbon cycles and biochar applications can contribute to climate protection, soil fertility, nutrient retention and resource efficiency.

The methodology combines:

• short theoretical input;
• interactive presentations;
• visual examples;
• biochar sample demonstrations;
• collaborative discussion;
• reflection tasks;
• group work and application-oriented learning.

Participants first explore sustainability challenges in agriculture and the principles of Circular Carbon Economy. They then analyse biomass resources, learn how biochar is produced and discuss how biochar properties relate to agricultural functions. In the application phase, participants reflect on how biochar could be used in soil management, nutrient retention, composting, climate protection or other farming-related contexts.

The course follows a competence-oriented and learner-centred approach. It encourages participants to exchange experiences, ask questions, connect theory with practical farming examples and develop first transfer ideas for their own educational or professional setting.

The course supports the European Green Deal and Erasmus+ priorities by promoting green skills, climate action and innovative learning in agriculture, vocational education and adult education. Sustainable agriculture, soil health, biomass use and circular carbon management are shared challenges across European regions.

The European dimension is reflected through:

• transferable learning methods for VET, adult education and agricultural training;
• shared European challenges related to climate-friendly farming, soil health and resource efficiency;
• support for green skills and employability in sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy;
• exchange between participants from different countries, farming systems and professional backgrounds;
• comparison of biomass resources, agricultural practices and biochar application opportunities across regions;
• integration of sustainability learning with European climate and circular economy objectives;
• alignment with Erasmus+ priorities on sustainability, innovation, inclusion and lifelong learning.

The course can be implemented in multicultural and transnational learning settings. It encourages participants to compare agricultural practices, exchange experiences and develop transferable biochar-related ideas for their own regions, institutions or learning environments.