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Advancing Wood Vinegar Research
Research into Wood Vinegar began in 2011 and continues to shape PyroAg’s product development, quality standards and application guidance.
Through university partnerships, field evaluation and industry collaboration, PyroAg is building a clearer understanding of where Wood Vinegar may provide value within Australian farming systems.
Research-Driven Product Development
PyroAg's research extends from product quality and environmental safety through to soil biology, crop performance and emerging agricultural applications.
By combining scientific investigation with practical field experience, research continues to inform how PyroAg Wood Vinegar is developed, evaluated and applied in Australian farming systems.
University Research Partnerships
PyroAg has made a long-term investment in collaborative research with leading Australian universities and researchers to better understand, validate and continually improve the use of Wood Vinegar in agriculture.
A major part of this work has been undertaken with the Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER) at the University of Newcastle, led by Professor Megh Mallavarapu, Professor of Environmental Biotechnology. PyroAg has worked with Professor Mallavarapu and his research team over several years on projects investigating soil biology, environmental safety, crop performance and emerging agricultural applications.
Wood Vinegar & Beneficial Soil Bacteria
Research investigated how PyroAg Wood Vinegar affects soil microbial communities. Lower application concentrations increased microbial diversity and enriched several beneficial Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB), including Bacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Azospirillum and Pseudomonas.
University of Newcastle | Published in Soil Systems, 2022
Environmental Safety & Application Limits
Research evaluated the effects of Wood Vinegar on aquatic and terrestrial organisms, helping establish safe application limits and build a clearer understanding of its environmental safety and appropriate agricultural use. This research has contributed to published studies examining plant and earthworm responses to pyroligneous acid.
University of Newcastle | NSW Tech Voucher Research | Completed Research
Crop Growth & Yield
Greenhouse and field research investigated the potential for Wood Vinegar to support crop growth and yield, including its influence on amino acid, carbohydrate and secondary metabolite biosynthesis.
University of Newcastle | Australian Innovation Connections | Completed Research
Wood Vinegar & Beneficial Microalgae
Research investigated interactions between Wood Vinegar and beneficial microalgae, demonstrating its potential to enhance microalgal growth and influence beneficial soil metabolites. The work formed part of a broader research program exploring Wood Vinegar, biochar and microalgae for soil health and crop performance.
University of Newcastle | Published 2025 | Completed Research
Wood Vinegar & Sustainable Pesticide Use
A National Industry PhD project is investigating Wood Vinegar as an adjuvant and carrier for pesticide formulations, including its potential to improve pesticide performance, reduce chemical use and lower environmental impacts.
Research will examine pesticide compatibility, adhesion and retention, leaching, degradation and environmental persistence through laboratory, greenhouse and industry field trials.
University of Newcastle | National Industry PhD Program, 2026 | Current Research
Wood Vinegar in Pasture Systems
Research with the University of Sydney has investigated Wood Vinegar applications in pasture systems, including its potential role within livestock production and opportunities for further research into agricultural emissions and resource efficiency.
University of Sydney | Agricultural Research
Research Beyond the Laboratory
Scientific research provides an important foundation, but understanding how Wood Vinegar performs in commercial farming conditions is also valuable.
Alongside university and laboratory research, PyroAg works with growers, agronomists and industry partners to explore its use across different farming systems, climates and production practices.
These experiences help us understand how research findings may translate into practice, refine application guidance and identify questions for future investigation.
