SUEZ and Seabex join forces to study agricultural benefits of biochar

SUEZ and Seabex, a French AgriTech start-up specializing in irrigation optimization and agricultural resource management, have announced the signing of a partnership to experiment the agronomic benefits of biochar on several farms in the Loiret department, in the center of France.

Biochar, a solution for carbon sequestration and agricultural resilience
Produced by high-temperature pyrolysis of biomass, without oxygen, biochar is identified by the IPCC as one of the five most effective negative-emission solutions for long-term carbon sequestration. To support its clients’ greenhouse gas reduction efforts, SUEZ announced in July 2023 its partnership with Canadian companies Airex Energy and Groupe Rémabec, an integrated forestry and bioproducts specialist, in the joint venture Carbonité to produce industrial biochar from forest biomass residues in Canada, located in Port-Cartier, Quebec.

Biochar also has many environmental benefits for agricultural, construction, and urban planning sectors. Used as a soil amendment, it sequesters carbon while improving nutrient and water retention, aeration, drainage, and microbial life. Moreover, it helps soil regeneration, makes fertilizer use more efficient, increases agricultural yields, and preserve water resources.

An industrial and technological partnership to measure the agricultural benefits of biochar
These agricultural services, especially the water retention capacity of soils, will be assessed as part of the partnership between SUEZ and Seabex, using analysis, monitoring and decision-making support tools developed by Seabex based on artificial intelligence, satellite imaging and field data collection technologies. This experiment will be conducted as of September 2025 on farms in the Loiret department, for a period of five years. The aim is to measure the impact of biochar on soil health, their resistance to water stress, and their agricultural performance.

As part of the study, SUEZ will benefit from Terrial’s expertise, a market leader in fertilizers and organic soil amendments in France, while Seabex will leverage its partnership with the Loiret Chamber of Agriculture, which is dedicated to experimentation and innovation in the agricultural sector. Seabex will also mobilize its data scientists and agronomists to ensure optimal monitoring of the tests and rigorous interpretation of the results.

An innovative partnership stemmed from the Aquanova water competitiveness hub
This innovative partnership between a major French group and an AgriTech start-up is the result of initiatives led by Aquanova, a water industry competitiveness hub, with locations in Orléans, Strasbourg, and Nancy, which aims to develop innovative projects in response to challenges related to water resources and regional development in France.