Biochar: A boon for agriculture

Abstract

Biochar is a new word for many, but the technology is a traditional one in several regions of the world. Biochar refers to a kind of charcoal made from biomass. Unlike charcoal made for fuel, biochar has properties which make it a valuable soil amendment. The decrease in biomass production, decrease in organic matter supply and increased decomposition rate are the primary factors to reduction in soil organic matter. Biochar is a stable carbon compound created when biomass is heated to temperatures between 300 and 1000 ˚C, under low oxygen concentrations. Biochar is attracting attention as a means for sequestering carbon and as a potentially valuable input for agriculture to improve soil fertility and sustainable production. Biochar, when utilized correctly, can be an important agricultural tool used to increase nutrients and organic resources in depleted soils. This is because the lumps of biochar are full of holes and crevices that help serve as habitats for soil microorganisms. Soil health management with biochar is evaluated globally as a means to improve soil fertility and to mitigate climate change.