Biochar: Preparation and its application in agricultural soil remediation

Abstract

Biochar is a carbon-rich material prepared from various organic waste feedstocks, such as agricultural waste and municipally disposed faecal sludge. The physicochemical properties of biochar vary among different feedstocks. Biochar is prepared by various methods like pyrolysis, gasification and hydrothermal carbonization etc. iochar has been suggested as a means to combat climate change, as well as to obtain agricultural and environmental benefits due to its unique properties such as high carbon content and cation exchange capacity, large specific surface area and stable structure. Apart from this, biochar is of great importance in increasing soil carbon storage and improving soil nutrient retention and nutrient availability and maintaining the balance of soil ecosystem.