Online published on 16 January, 2017.
Modern farming practices are often unsustainable as they damage soils and rely on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, machinery, fossil fuels and purchased seeds. Natural farming on the other hand, mitigates the pace and effects of climate change and biochar has the potential to add value to soils and ecosystems. It is another name for charcoal, created by the pyrolysis of biomass. Biocharculture is a historical traditional practice applied to soil management, livestock, biomass energy, water purification and sanitation. This paper reviews various types of biochar and its uses as an organic compost, pesticide, fertiliser, etc and the impact on the land, microorganisms, water tables and ecosystems.
