Biochar – A Valuable Soil Amendment

Abstract

Biochar is charred organic matter intended for use as a soil amendment. Biochar is produced by a thermochemical decomposition process called pyrolysis, which consists of heating biomass at a high temperature (» 400-8000 °C) in a limited oxygen environment. Biochar can be an important tool to increase food security and cropland diversity in areas with severely depleted soils, scarce organic resources, and inadequate water and chemical fertilizer supplies. Biochar also improves water quality and quantity by increasing soil retention of nutrients and agrochemicals for plant and crop utilization. Biochar helps to reclaim degraded soils. The water retention capacity of the biochar compost makes it ideal for conservation and the use of the scarce water. Biochar helps to prevent fertilizer runoff and leaching, allowing the use of less fertilizer and diminishing agricultural pollution to the surrounding environment.