Yes, I see your points.
... and the exhaust part does go on different threads.

There is still much to learn about how char works, and how the microbiome works!
I think the thing to focus on is the biomass (microbiome) generated, and not the fluxes in respiration that occur as a biome is stabilizing. There are plenty of wrong ways to manage a biome and cause short-term net releases of CO2 or nitrates; but as long as the biomass is increasing or maximized, there should be a long-term net sequestration of CO2 (and nitrogen).
...especially for reclaimed desertified areas!
If these carbon sinks are later allowed to dry out and the biome die, then much of the carbon (except the char) would be released.
~
