Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Agriculture
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
- VM0042 – It is an internationally accepted carbon accounting methodology under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).
- It measures – Emissions avoided and long‑term carbon sequestration.
- Together, it shows the climate benefit in carbon credits farmers can sell.
|
Reference
The Hindu | Biochar
