Environmental Applications of Biochar

Do you know biochar has different applications

Biochar has many applications in helping with climate change, food security, renewable energy and waste management. It is produced through thermal pyrolysis (300^oC-700^oC) of biomass, under little or zero oxygen conditions

Feedstocks to make biochar are abundant and include carbon waste streams from agriculture, forestry, urban sources, farm wastes, livestock remains, human, food and other compostable wastes. These are all low-value materials with limited uses and high disposal costs

Its tremendous porous and surface structure provides a great habitant for micro-organisms, increases bioavailability, and creates a reservoir for water, nutrients and, in certain applications, pollutants. Using it as a soil additive increases plant growth rates. Other benefits include

Reduce the need for chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus

Help retain nitrogen and sulfurs in soil

Facilitate reestablishment of vegetation on sterile ground

Inhibit the growth of molds or mildews

Odour control

Filter out contaminants from shallow soil water

Remove heavy metals and acids from abandoned mine ponds

Bind toxins and prevent their leaching into surface and ground water

Ref: www.esemag.com

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