Saudi Biochar
Research Group
What is the SBRG?
Saudi Biochar Research Group was initiated in 2011 by Prof. Mohammad Al-Wabel (Department of Soil Sciences, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University Riyadh) after the revolution of biochar to lead the research of biochar by exploring its potential implications specifically in dry and semidry lands, and alkaline soils. The SBRG research team includes national and international professional researchers, professors, and students. SBRG is working on multi-disciplinary aspects of pyrolysis, biochar production, materials engineering/designing, environmental (soil and water) pollution remediation, and climate change mitigation.
SBRG focuses on: pyrolyzing various organic waste materials and biomass, such as agricultural, domestic, garden, forest, food, and industrial waste. Due to a large number of date palm farms, a massive amount of date palm tree waste is being generated due to trimming, thinning, diseases, and other farm practices, which are not only a source of surface pollution but also provide habitat for various pathogens. SBRG contributes to reducing this waste into valuable products such as biochar and its composites, used for environmental decontamination and as amendments in contaminated soils to boost crop yields. SBRG is also engineering and designing novel biochar based materials and nanocomposites for efficient environmental and climatic implications.
Vision and mission 2030
In its Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set forth ambitious goals aimed at transforming its economy and ensuring a sustainable and diversified future. These goals include a strong emphasis on environmental and economic sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key elements of this vision:
Reforestation Efforts: Saudi Arabia has committed to planting an astonishing 10 billion trees. This initiative is significant as it contributes to combating deforestation, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide through afforestation and reforestation projects.
Saudi Green Initiative: To further support its environmental efforts, the Kingdom plans to invest a substantial sum of 700 billion Saudi riyals in the Saudi Green Initiative. This funding is expected to be directed towards various sustainability projects, including renewable energy, conservation, and the preservation of natural ecosystems.
Clean Fuels and Circular Economy: With an investment of 39 billion Saudi riyals in clean fuels and the circular economy, Saudi Arabia is taking steps to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The circular economy focuses on reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Carbon Emission Reduction: The Kingdom has set an ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by a staggering 278 million tons annually by the year 2030. This commitment aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Water Efficiency: The National Water Strategy aims to enhance the efficiency of water use. Although the specific efficiency goal is not mentioned in the provided text, improving water efficiency is critical for ensuring sustainable access to this vital resource, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia.
“ In summary, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 outlines a comprehensive approach to sustainability and economic diversification. These goals encompass environmental conservation, reduced carbon emissions, and a shift toward cleaner and more efficient resource use. By pursuing these initiatives, Saudi Arabia aims to secure a more sustainable and resilient future for its economy and the well-being of its citizens. “
Research Focus and Strategies
SBRG focuses on pyrolyzing various organic waste materials and biomass, such as agricultural wastes, domestic waste, garden waste, forest waste, food waste and some industrial wastes.
SBRG is playing its part in reducing date palm waste into valuable products such as biochar and its composites, that are being used for environmental decontamination and as amendments in contaminated soils to boost up crop yields.
We also engineering and designing novel biochar based materials and nanocomposites for efficient environmental and climatic implications
Research strategie: Lab to field to farm
SBRG is not limited solely to laboratory research. It believes in applied research to benefit human, animal, and plant ecosystems. SBRG works in the laboratory, and the research products are employed in open fields, farms, tunnels, and greenhouses. SBRG is trying to apply research outputs in water treatments, soil, and sediment decontamination, enhancing crop yield in contaminated and degraded lands, climate change mitigation, energy conservation processes, and fertilizer industries to formulate slow releases coated fertilizers.
In essence, SBRG is not confined to laboratory walls; we are a dynamic research group with a resolute commitment to driving positive change in the real world. Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and practical application, ultimately fostering a greener, more sustainable future for all.
SBRG’s research are conducted across diverse and strategically positioned experimentation sites which are :
Experimental Stations
Greenhouses
Research Laboratory
Training and consultancy
At the heart of SBRG’s mission is the belief in sharing knowledge and expertise with a global community. Our distinguished panel of experts actively engages in training individuals from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and disciplines at both national and international platforms. Among those who have benefited from our training initiatives are graduate students and academic researchers hailing from nations such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen, Jordan, and Egypt.
Our commitment extends beyond the realms of academia. SBRG takes immense pride in offering its consultancy services to academic researchers, industrialists, and various governmental departments. We collaborate with professionals in fields that are vital to the well-being of our society, including Agriculture, Food, Drugs, Wastewater Treatment, and Environmental Conservation.
Our consultancy services are not just a professional duty but a genuine pleasure. We understand the critical role that these sectors play in shaping the world we live in, and we are dedicated to contributing our knowledge and insights to drive progress and innovation.
Through these collaborations and training initiatives, SBRG seeks to foster a culture of continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and practical application. It’s our way of giving back to the communities we serve, and we remain committed to making a meaningful impact on the local, regional, and global levels.
Strengths and expertise of SBRG
SBRG is prominent group actively working and achieving new milestones for the proud team. The team can analyze the biochar for the various properties.
Analytical facilities
Pyrolysis units
Modifications techniques
Chemical analyses
Ultimate analyses
Proximate analyses
Our Team of researchers
The Founder
Prof . Mohammad Ibrahim Al-Wabel
Saudi Biochar Research Group was initiated in 2011 by Prof. Mohammad Al-Wabel (Department of Soil Sciences, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University Riyadh) after the revolution of biochar to lead the research of biochar by exploring its potential implications specifically in dry and semidry lands, and alkaline soils. The SBRG research team includes national and international professional researchers, professors, and students. SBRG is working on multi-disciplinary aspects of pyrolysis, biochar production, materials engineering/designing, environmental (soil and water) pollution remediation, and climate change mitigation.
Research team members
Assistant Vice Rector for Attracting
Professor Soils and Water Department
Professor Agriculture Engineering
Professor Soil Pedology
Professor Soil Water
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