Biochar: An eco-friendly residue management approach

Abstract

Efficient use of biomass by converting it to a useful resource (highly stable carbon compound known as biochar) of soil amendment/nutrients is one way to manage soil health and fertility. Biochar in agricultural systems can enhance natural rates of carbon sequestration, reducing waste, improve the soil quality, conventional agricultural productivity, soil physical properties, nutrient availability, soil microbial activities, crop productivity and mitigate GHG emissions from agricultural soils. To promote the application of biochar as a soil amendment and also as a climate change abatement option, research, development and demonstration on biochar production and application in agriculture system, it is necessary to develop low-cost biochar production units to make the technology affordable for small and marginal farmers.