7. Glossary

Biochar

Used as a soil improver, biochar is a charcoal of plant origin obtained by the pyrolysis of biomass from organic matter of various origins. Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of organic matter in an oxygen-poor environment.

Bioavailability

Term designating the proportion of an ingested nutrient that is absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and therefore likely to be available for the body's needs. Bioavailability depends on the physiological steps that enable exogenous molecules (nutrients in particular) to reach their target.

Ileal digestibility

Amino acids are digested in the small intestine. There is no absorption in the large intestine, but the microflora metabolize some of the undigested amino acids and take up these nutrients for their own development....