Biochar - The New Black Gold

Abstract

Conventionally, farmers, after meeting the cattle feed requirements, have been using the crop residues as either cattle feed, fire wood or burning, which is finally leading to environmental pollution, loss of valuable nutrients, organic carbon and increase in greenhouse gas emission. Though several options are available to utilize these residues by converting into compost, vermicompost, of late, scientists have come out with a permanent solution i.e., conversion of this waste into wealth in the form of biochar. It is produced through thermo-chemical conversion of plant biomass at high temperature in the absence of oxygen. It improves soil fertility and productivity through improvement of soil physical and chemical properties. It reduces heavy metal contamination in the soils. Biochar helps in carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emission, thus, minimizes the ill effects of global climate change. Its addition has the potential to double the crops yields thus improves farm income.