Biochars
- Yohana Sibhatu
- Sep 16, 2024
- 3 min read
By: WaiYan Chan, Aleena Bacorro
Abstract
Biochar is a type of black carbon that is produced by the thermochemical conversion of organic materials in an oxygen-limited environment. Biochar possesses physicochemical properties that make it suitable for the safe and long-term storage of carbon in the environment, and it can improve soil conditions (Science Direct, n.d.).
The benefits of applying biochar is widely recognized, and proven by an experiment conducted in Nigeria in 2017-2018. The application of biochar is beneficial to the environment because it helps increase moisture retention in soils and creates a stable storage of carbon. These functions make biochars extremely useful in mitigating climate change.
The History of Biochars
The usage of biochars is not a novel technology. Some historians even claim that biochars were used in Amazonian civilizations as an agricultural practice. This practice– also known as “slash-and-char” agriculture–was considered the “Secret of El Dorado” that enhanced crop yields (Biochar Now, 2019). Others suggest that the widespread use of biochars began in Australia when farmers fed the substance to their cattle and thus integrated biochars into fertilizer (Agri-Business Review, n.d.).
Biochar's Effects on Soil
In 2017 and 2018, a field experiment was conducted in Nigeria to evaluate the impacts of biochar on the yield of cocoyam by affecting the physical and chemical properties of the soil. To ensure the accuracy of the experiment, researchers cleared the weeds to a depth of 20 cm, and set four identical pots in the site, with four different concentrations of biochar applied. The bulk density has decreased with the application of biochar, meaning that the space between soil particles (aka soil porosity) has increased (Government of the United States, 2020). As bulk density increases, soil porosity decreases. This open space is essential to soil fertility, as high soil porosity encourages water infiltration, root growth, and biological activities. The addition of biochar also affects the chemical properties of soil, such as increasing the concentration of the 14 crucial elements present in the soil, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium (Britannica, n.d.). Aside from that, the application of biochar also enhances the soil’s CEC (cation exchange capacity), which is a measurement of a soil’s ability to hold positively charged ions (cations). In general, soil with higher CEC values is healthier. The positive effect on crop yields has become more pronounced as the amount of applied biochar increases. However, excessively high levels of biochar application may start to slow down the rate of yield increase. Despite this, biochar enhances the yield of crops overall.
Conclusion
When combined with compost or manure, Biochars retain moisture, nutrients, and microorganisms (Agri Business Review, n.d.). They can also be economically viable while also supporting sustainable farming practices.. However, its effectiveness varies with feedstock, it is not a standalone fertilizer, and it can increase soil alkalinity, requiring careful soil testing (Santa Barbara Independent, 2023). These imbalances could lead to massive plant death, which could disrupt the ecosystem. Properly managed, biochar can outweigh its drawbacks and contribute positively to agriculture and climate mitigation.
References
Adekiya, A. O., Agbede, T. M., Olayanju, A., Ejue, W. S., Adekanye, T. A., Adenusi, T. T., & Ayeni, J. F. (2020). Effect of Biochar on Soil Properties, Soil Loss, and Cocoyam Yield on a Tropical Sandy Loam Alfisol.
Agri Business Review. (n.d.). A Guide to the Pros and Cons of Biochar. https://www.agribusinessreview.com/news/a-guide-to-the-pros-and-cons-of-biochar-nwid-1003.html
Allen, D. (2023, February 26). Biochar: Its Pluses and Minuses. The Santa Barbara Independent. https://www.independent.com/2023/02/26/biochar-its-pluses-and-minuses/
Biochar Now. (2019, December 2). History. https://biocharnow.com/history/#:~:text=Soil%20scientists%20theorize%20the%20ancient
Britannica. (n.d.). chemical element - Soils https://www.britannica.com/science/chemical-element/Soils
Cornell Cooperative Extension. (n.d.). Biochars and Their Uses in Agriculture. https://warren.cce.cornell.edu/gardening-landscape/warren-county-master-gardener-articles/-biochars-and-their-uses-in-agriculture
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Biochar. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/biochar#definition
U.S. Department of Agriculture (n.d.). Biochar : USDA ARS. https://www.ars.usda.gov/midwest-area/stpaul/swmr/people/kurt-spokas/biochar/
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