Agricultural Land Resilience: Airex Energy and Université Laval’s Research Chair on Cultivated Organic Soils Join Forces

A promising partnership for biochar in Quebec

Airex Energy is proud to partner with the Research Chair in Conservation and Restoration of Cultivated Organic Soils at Université Laval, led by Professor Jacynthe Dessureault-Rompré. This collaboration aligns with Airex Energy’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges affecting agriculture and soil degradation.

This Research Chair, part of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, focuses on cultivated organic soils, which are almost exclusively used for vegetable production. While highly fertile, these soils are particularly vulnerable to rapid degradation. In collaboration with the Chair’s researchers, Airex Energy will contribute to a groundbreaking research initiative that, for the first time globally, explores the use of biochar in cultivated organic soils. This research aims to develop concrete strategies to preserve soil fertility, enhance sustainability, and strengthen carbon capture capabilities.

Airex Energy will invest $100,000 over four years and supply biochar from the newly established Carbonity plant in Port-Cartier. Biochar is recognized for its ability to improve soil health and sequester carbon. This partnership marks the first step in a series of collaborations between Airex Energy and research institutions to advance the understanding of biochar and promote its adoption among farmers.

“We are proud to announce this partnership, which reflects our commitment to developing decarbonization solutions that address challenges in the agri-food sector. Biochar, with its unique potential, offers a promising solution to critical issues such as the degradation of black soils in Montérégie. We are honoured to collaborate with Université Laval to explore these innovative solutions and contribute to the preservation of our agricultural soils,” said Michel Gagnon, CEO of Airex Energy.

“The Faculty is proud to support Jacynthe Dessureault-Rompré, holder of the Research Chair on Cultivated Organic Soils. This partnership, supported by an international research team, that also involves the training of nine graduate students, paves the way for resilient and sustainable agriculture. I am convinced that this collaboration will highlight innovative and scalable solutions while preparing the next generation of scientific experts in sustainable agriculture,” stated Denis Roy, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at Université Laval.

“I am excited to take part in this groundbreaking initiative, which combines scientific expertise with Airex Energy’s industrial commitment. The application of biochar in cultivated organic soils represents a major breakthrough in restoring and conserving Quebec’s most fertile lands while providing a concrete response to climate change challenges. I firmly believe that this synergy between research and technological innovation will drive the development of practical, transferable strategies, strengthening soil health and the future of our agricultural sector,” added Jacynthe Dessureault-Rompré, Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at Université Laval and holder of the Research Chair on the Conservation of Cultivated Soils.

“By leveraging the expertise of the Chair’s researchers, we are reinforcing our commitment to deepen the understanding of biochar, which plays a crucial role in improving food security and mitigating the effects of climate change. Working alongside farmers enables us to provide sustainable, field-ready solutions. This partnership embodies a strong synergy between environmental benefits, soil enhancement, and the stimulation of the local economy,” concluded Lylia Khennache, Vice President, Climate Solutions at Airex Energy.