Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore-641 003, India
*Present Address: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry P.J.N. College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal-609 603, India.
Biochar produced from pyrolysis of plants stocks is a fine-grained charcoal high in organic carbon and largely resistant to decomposition. Biochar creates a recalcitrant soil carbon pool that is carbon-negative, serving as a net withdrawal of atmospheric carbon dioxide stored in highly recalcitrant soil carbon stocks. Biochar-amended soil reduces not only the fertilizer requirements, but also the climate and environmental impact of croplands. Also, it improves a host of soil physical properties. Biochar is a variable charge organic material that has the potential to increase cation exchange capacity and related soil properties. Application of biochar with inorganic fertilizers significantly increases the yields of a number of crops.
Biochar, Pyrolysis, Biomass, Feedstocks
