BioChar

Why in news?

• Researches in Africa has pointed to high effectiveness of BioChar in increasing soil productivity.

About BioChar:

• Biochar is charcoal used as a soil amendment for both carbon sequestration and soil health benefits.
• Biochar is a stable solid, rich in carbon, and can endure in soil for thousands of years.
• Like most charcoal, biochar is made from biomass via pyrolysis.
• It is produced the direct thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen (preventing combustion).
• Biochar is under investigation as a viable approach for carbon sequestration, as it has the potential to help mitigate global warming and climate change.
• Biochar may increase soil fertility of acidic soils (low pH soils), increase agricultural productivity, and provide protection against some foliar and soil-borne diseases.
• Because of its porous structure and high specific surface area, Biochar can attract and retain water. This can be used to prevent erosion and leaching of fertilisers into ground water.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Biochar:
1.It is obtained by decomposition of biomass with excess oxygen supply.
2.It can be used for  increasing soil fertility.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question