Combating Climate Change with Biochar

The rate of reduced acidity within the soils helps better crop production and prevents the unwanted seepage of macronutrients from the soil.

Fremont, CA: Biochars is the byproduct obtained through the process of treating organic materials at extremely high temperatures consisting of a shallow oxygen environment. This is generally carried out through pyrolysis or decomposition, which turns the organic component into a black, crumbly substance with similar physical characteristics to charcoal. Humans from the ancient Egyptian race were first identified as using the pyrolysis method for decomposing organic material.

Biochars are characterized by very high stable carbon content and optimal levels of micro and macro elements like zinc, copper, potassium, and magnesium. The structure obtained is highly porous and filled with aromatic substances.

Production of biochars

They consist of organic matter residues and are generally produced from the bio-wastes of forestry, food, and agriculture industries. Primary sources associated with biochar production include pellets, tree cuttings, wooden chips, distiller grains, and residues from the oil and gas industry. They can also be manufactured by processing animal wastes generated in poultry, dairy, and cattle farms.

Benefits of Biochars

Soil structure enhancement

The addition of biochar into the soil improves the soil structure and fertility rates. Soil structure is measured by considering the factors such as nutrient aggregation, water retention capacity, and porosity distribution.

Higher water retention and aggregation

Biochars facilitate and promote microorganisms' growth and improve soil aggregation over time. Soil aggregates aid in the development of root health of plants and are seen in clusters and are seen to be bonded with various minerals, which are beneficial to soil health development.

Acidity reduction

Frequent use of biochar in the soil can lead to the reduction of acid levels and helps in containing the toxic levels of aluminum. The rate of reduced acidity within the soils helps better crop production and prevents the unwanted seepage of macronutrients from the soil.

Lower nitrous oxide emissions

Nitrous oxide acts as a significant promoter of global warming, and animal manure is considered the major contributor while they are spread across the fields as fertilizer. Various modes of biochar used in the areas help in the nitrous oxide emission rates as they have high sorption capacity gained through the oxidative reactions in the soil.

Regulates nitrogen leaching

The presence of biochars helps restrict the leaching process of nitrates into the nearby water resources, which are polluted by the process and destroy the ecosystems associated with it. It also caters to the improved biodiversity growth that directly leads to low rates of nitrogen leaching.