Biochar – Turning Farm Smoke into Black Gold

Why in News?

Recently, Biochar has emerged as a carbon‑negative solution to India’s farm residue burning crisis.

• Biochar – It is a stable, carbon-rich form of charcoal (highly porous, carbon‑rich, and decomposes slowly in soil).
• Process – Heating organic biomass (like crop residues, wood chips, or manure) in a low-to-no-oxygen environment (pyrolysis).
• Function – Locks carbon for long periods, contributing to carbon sequestration.

Carbon sequestration captures and stores CO₂ to fight climate change.

In soil, decaying plants lock carbon, keeping it underground and reducing greenhouse gases in atmosphere.

Key Features

• Soil Health – Improves water‑holding capacity (10–25%), nutrient retention, and microbial activity.
• Crop Productivity – Field trials show 10–30% yield gains in nutrient‑poor soils.

Maize stalk biochar and Coconut leaf stalk biochar enhanced soil fertility in Maharashtra and Kerala.

• Climate Resilience – Helps crops withstand droughts, heat waves, and erratic rainfall.
• Circular Economy – Converts farm residues and urban organic waste into a useful product, reducing methane emissions from landfills.

Carbon Credits Potential

• Biochar qualifies as a persistent carbon dioxide removal technology.
• Carbon Credit Protocols – VM0042 measures avoided emissions and long-term sequestration from biochar, with each certified tonne generating 2–2.8 t CO₂ equivalent credits for carbon markets.

Quick Facts

Reference

The Hindu | Biochar