Biochar : A green product from biomass waste to boost crop growth

Abstract

Biochar is solid carbonized material from biomass produced by pyrolysis. Biochar possesses soil amendment properties effecting soil fertility and enhancing mineral uptake inportant for crop growth and productivity. Biochar is also associated with carbon sequestration, reduce leaching in soil and increase pH of soil without addition of lime. Agricultural wastes in rice cultivation in the form of rice husk and paddy straw can be utilized for the production of biochar. The adsorption and desorption kinetics of biochar are studied in relation to nutrient uptake by crops.