The Shift Webcast Ep3: Where Waste Becomes Resource

In the latest episode of The Shift, Thor Kallestad welcomes Cornell soil scientist, Dr. Debbie Aller, for a discussion that bridges academic research with real-world application. From agricultural productivity to the growing urgency around biosolids and PFAS, the conversation explores where biochar is delivering measurable impact, and where further research will continue to refine focus on the benefits of biochar for land remediation.

Grounded in field experience and emerging science, this webcast offers a pragmatic look at how organizations can move beyond single-solution thinking toward integrated approaches that restore land, reduce environmental risk, and unlock long-term value.

The Shift (Ep3)| Where Waste Meets Resource
Guest: Dr. Deborah Aller, Cornell University
Host: Thor Kallestad, CEO, Myno Carbon

00:12 – Welcome to The Shift
Thor introduces the webcast and welcomes Cornell soil scientist, Dr. Debbie Aller, setting the stage for a discussion on regenerative agriculture and renewable carbon.

00:43 – Meet Dr. Deborah Aller
Debbie shares her background as a soil scientist and her 14-year journey working with biochar through research and on-farm trials.

01:46 – Discovering Biochar: From Edinburgh to East Africa
Debbie recounts her first exposure to biochar during her master’s research and how it connected her interests in environmental science, food security, and human-environment systems.

03:33 – Biochar’s Agricultural Promise — and Adoption Challenges
Thor and Debbie discuss agronomic benefits, early market adoption, and the importance of demonstrating ROI for growers.

04:30 – Matching Feedstock to Soil for Maximum Impact
Debbie explains why biochar is not one-size-fits-all and how pairing specific materials with soil conditions drives stronger outcomes.

06:10 – Decision Tools Supporting Farmer Adoption
Emerging resources such as national projects and soil survey tools help farmers evaluate where biochar can deliver the greatest benefit.

07:26 – The “Silver Bullet” Myth
Thor highlights a common misconception — biochar delivers multiple benefits but works best as part of an integrated strategy.

08:46 – Biosolids Take Center Stage
The conversation shifts to biosolids as a growing environmental concern and a potential opportunity for biochar-enabled solutions.

09:16 – PFAS and Pyrolysis: Emerging Research
Debbie discusses studies indicating pyrolysis may eliminate up to 99.9% of PFAS, while emphasizing the need for continued research.

12:37 – Stacking Benefits to Unlock Market Opportunity
Thor explores how combining environmental and economic advantages can accelerate adoption.

13:45 – Designing the Dream Biochar Project
Debbie outlines a vision for large-scale projects linking wastewater treatment plants with pyrolysis to create safe, circular waste pathways.

15:42 – Awareness, Open-Mindedness, and Market Momentum
Biochar’s growing visibility signals expanding cross-industry potential for climate and land-use solutions.

16:33 – Final Thanks and Closing Thoughts 
Debbie reinforces that while not the only solution, biochar can play a major role across agriculture, climate, and remediation sectors