NEWS: Biocharà Emerging as a sustainable solution to crop residue burning, soil degradation, and climate change while supporting climate-resilient agriculture.

ABOUT

• Highly porous, carbon-rich material similar to charcoal.
• Produced by heating biomass (crop residues, forestry waste, food-processing waste, etc.) in a low-oxygen environment through pyrolysis.
• Pyrolysis also generates syngas and bio-oil as valuable by-products.

KEY FEATURES

• Improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.
• Provides a favorable habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms.
• Acts as a long-term carbon storage medium.

APPLICATIONS & BENEFITS

Agricultural Productivity

• Enhances crop yields by 10–30% in degraded and nutrient-deficient soils.
• Increases soil water-holding capacity by 10–25%, improving drought resilience.

Waste Management & Air Pollution Control

• Converts crop residues into useful products, reducing stubble burning.
• Helps manage biodegradable urban waste and sewage sludge.

Carbon Sequestration

• Locks carbon in a stable form for centuries.
• 1 tonne of biochar can sequester 2.5–3 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

Carbon Credits

• Recognized as a carbon dioxide removal technology.
• Generates 2–2.8 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent carbon credits per tonne of certified biochar.

Energy Generation

• Produces syngas and bio-oil during pyrolysis.
• Can support electricity generation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Water Purification

• Used to remove heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium, and lead from wastewater.

Construction Sector

• Addition of 2–5% biochar in concrete improves strength, heat resistance, and carbon capture.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Promotes sustainable agriculture and soil restoration.
• Reduces air pollution caused by crop residue burning.
• Supports climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.
• Creates additional income opportunities through carbon credit markets.