The Japanese multinational held field trials that showed gains in soil health, yields, and carbon sequestration thanks to biochar.
These findings stem from a joint research project launched in October 2024 in collaboration with the Tochigi Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station and Waseda University.
The results were presented on March 12 at the Annual Meeting of the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry.
The study investigated how applying 100 to 500 kilograms of biochar per 10 ares influenced soil properties, crop performance and emissions outcomes in barley fields.
Kirin found that the treatment delivered measurable carbon fixation of roughly 0.1 to 0.5 tonnes of CO₂ per 10 ares, representing a meaningful reduction in emissions associated with raw‑material production.
The company also recorded increases in total soil carbon, available phosphate and exchangeable potassium, along with improved water retention and a reduction in soil hardness, signalling enhanced soil physical conditions.
Biochar improves yield, soil health
The trial also showed gains in productivity. Kirin reported a three to 11 per cent rise in well‑formed grain weight, indicating that biochar may support yield improvement alongside soil enhancement.
The trials further revealed a shift in soil microbiology, with certain bacteria and fungi becoming more abundant.
These microorganisms are known to promote plant growth, strengthen nutrient uptake and support nitrogen and phosphorus cycling.
The researchers said these findings show how biochar may reinforce long‑term soil ecosystem function.
Importantly, malt quality and brewing performance remained unchanged when the harvested barley was processed through a micro‑malting system.
The company said this confirmed that biochar‑supported agronomy does not compromise the strict quality requirements for beer production.
Kirin said the results were a significant step toward integrating regenerative agriculture practices into its upstream supply chain.
The company plans to explore how the approach can be extended to other crops and growing regions and said it will continue pursuing emissions reduction across its entire value chain.
“These research findings provide important insights toward the practical implementation of GHG emissions reduction technologies in beer barley cultivation. The team will continue to study how these methods can be expanded to other croplands and crops.”
With beer barley cultivation representing one of its key agricultural emissions sources, the company views biochar as a promising option for reducing greenhouse gases while maintaining supply stability.
“Kirin will continue contributing to GHG emissions reduction across the entire value chain, from raw material production to finished products, through collaboration among industry, academia and government, with the aim of building a sustainable society.”
Kirin highlighted that regenerative practices such as soil improvement and reduced dependence on chemical inputs, aligned with its broader sustainability agenda focused on climate resilience, natural resource stewardship and biodiversity protection.
It added that its research underscores the value of collaboration between corporate R&D teams, academic institutions and regional agricultural centres in validating new climate‑aligned production models.
