TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE BIOCHAR PRODUCTION: A LOCAL REACTOR APPROACH

Abstract

Biochar, a porous carbonaceous substance derived from the thermochemical conversion of organic matter under oxygen-depleted conditions, exhibits physicochemical traits conducive to secure and enduring carbon sequestration in the environment. It holds substantial promise for soil enhancement (Lehmann et al., 2009). Unlike regular charcoal, biochar is expressly crafted for application in soil as part of agronomic or environmental management strategies. The incorporation of biochar into soil has recently emerged as a propitious avenue for augmenting soil quality, bolstering crop yields, and pioneering a unique approach to carbon sequestration (Lehmann et al., 2003). Possessing minimal density and high porosity, biochar functions akin to a sponge within soil, entrenching water and nutrients and averting their leaching, thereby rendering them more accessible to plants (Major, 2011). Additionally, it resists decomposition by soil microorganisms, enabling the long-term retention of carbon in the soil. The production and application of biochar in soils herald a notably auspicious potential for fostering sustainable agricultural systems and mitigating global climate change.