The Shift Webcast Ep2: From Soil Science to Site Solutions with Dr. Jim Ippolito
December, 2025In this episode of The Shift webcast, hosted by Myno Carbon CEO Thor Kallestad, we feature soil scientist Dr. Jim Ippolito of Ohio State University. Together, they trace parallel journeys in biochar – from early agricultural trials to today’s focus on remediation. Jim shares how he “caught the biochar wave” in the mid-2000s and what his research reveals about metals, hydrocarbons, and PFAS. Thor highlights why repeatability, specifications, and collaboration across industry & academia are essential for scalable, industry-ready projects. The conversation explores where biochar can deliver the greatest climate impact and what it will take for the industry to scale in coming years.
The Shift (Ep2)| From Soil Science to Site Solutions
Guest: Dr. Jim Ippolito, Ohio State University
Host: Thor Kallestad, CEO, Myno Carbon
00:10 – Welcome & Webcast Introduction
Thor introduces The Shift and welcomes Dr. Jim Ippolito, framing the conversation around innovation, biochar, and parallel journeys.
00:37 – Dr. Ippolito’s Entry Into Biochar “Catching the Wave”
Jim recounts discovering biochar in the mid-2000s at USDA and working across national research programs.
03:26 – Building a Scalable Climate Business
Thor discusses the ambition to create a profitable, investable climate solution and the realities of ag markets.
04:30 – The Three Remediation Waves: PFAS, Hydrocarbons & Metals
Thor outlines Myno’s market lens; Jim reacts with scientific context and field experience.
05:35 – Why Agriculture Was a Tough Nut to Crack
Jim explains the economics of biochar in large-scale agriculture and why alternative markets were necessary.
07:20 – Mine Land Reclamation & Heavy Metals
Jim dives into metal sorption, screening biochars, and preventing re-release into the environment.
08:28 – PFAS: The Monster Problem
Discussion on PFAS complexity, concentration challenges, and where biochar shows promise (especially in water).
08:44 – What Customers Will Pay For: Price vs. Performance
Thor explains why demand exists — and why repeatability and specs are the real bottlenecks.
10:06 – Repeatability, Testing & Trust in Biochar Performance
Jim emphasizes consistency, testing cadence, and the role of validation for scalable adoption.
11:18 – Remediation as the Scaling Engine for Biochar
Thor positions remediation as the pathway to unlock broader markets, including agriculture.
12:33 – Best ROI in Agriculture: High-Value Crops
Jim discusses where biochar delivers the best economic and climate returns in ag.
13:56 – Liquid Fertilizers & Precision Agriculture
Thor shares Myno’s thinking on micronized biochar and liquid delivery systems..
17:40 – Scaling Requires Academic + Industry Collaboration
Thor raises the challenge of using research to de-risk and finance large offtake agreements.
18:22 – Closing the Academia–Industry Gap
Jim reflects on structural disconnects and the importance of shared forums and collaboration.
19:34 – Faster, Cheaper, More Effective Remediation
Discussion on what buyers want and where research could unlock step-change improvements.
20:39 – Screening, Applied Science & the Scale Problem
Jim explains why applied research struggles to move from lab to industry scale.
22:16 – Where the “Magic” Happens
Thor summarizes the power of connecting academia, corporate buyers, and entrepreneurs.
23:26 – What Needs to Change for Biochar to Scale (5-Year Outlook)
Jim outlines the multi-factor answer: policy, science, industry, and collaboration.
24:27 – The Static Charge Insight & Breaking PFAS Bonds
Jim shares an advanced scientific insight into biochar charge properties and future potential.
25:15 – Closing Reflections & Future Collaboration
Thor thanks Jim and hints at follow-up collaboration opportunities.
25:52 – Final Thanks & Sign-Off