In a rolling field in the Annapolis Valley, the soil in one row of grapevines is littered with charred fragments of wood that scientists and farmers hope will turn waste into a tool to improve the health of the soil and store carbon long term. …Research scientistVicky Lévesque’s work is just one of the projects underway as scientists and companies in Nova Scotia explore how biochar can be used and produced in the province. Lévesque is testing biochar on grapevines at 11 sites in the Valley to see how it affects carbon sequestration, soil biodiversity, plant growth and nutrient leaching. …”Canada can be a leader in tapping into these underutilized residues that come from the agricultural sector, forestry sector, municipal solid waste, forest fire wood,” he said. “Biochar is one of those integral components … that will help us move towards net zero.”