BIO-CHAR
Bio-char- Presently, there is great focus on bio-char as a soil replenisher given the extremely low yield of land in India. Presently, precious wood is being converted into biochar at extremely high cost. In collaboration with a specialist from IIT, Delhi who has developed concentrated soil enrichment organic products, we are in process of developing such bio-char in our system which is fortified with the special concentrated nutrients.
Lack of organic carbon reduces water and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil. Furthermore, in the absence of adequate organic matter, soil organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and earthworms are reduced or lost.
The Solution – BIO-CHAR
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance that’s made by burning organic material from agricultural and forestry wastes (also called biomass) in a controlled process called pyrolysis. Although it looks a lot like common charcoal, biochar is produced using a specific process to reduce contamination and safely store carbon. During pyrolysis organic materials, such as wood chips, leaf litter or dead plants, are burned in a container with very little oxygen. As the materials burn, they release little to no contaminating fumes. During the pyrolysis process, the organic material is converted into biochar, a stable form of carbon that can’t easily escape into the atmosphere. The energy or heat created during pyrolysis can be captured and used as a form of clean energy. Bio-char is by far more efficient at converting carbon into a stable form and is cleaner than other forms of charcoal.
In terms of physical attributes, bio-char is black, highly porous, lightweight, fine-grained and has a large surface area. Approximately 70 percent of its composition is carbon. The remaining percentage consists of nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen among other elements. Bio-char’s chemical composition varies depending on the feed stocks used to make it and methods used to heat it.
Applications of biochar in agriculture: enhancing soil and compost properties
Soil degradation is a major concern in agriculture globally. To address this burgeoning problem, researchers suggested applying bio-char to degraded soils in order to enhance its quality. Some of the ways that biochar may help improve soil quality include:
Bio-char is also found to be beneficial for composting, since it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and prevents the loss of nutrients in the compost material. It also promotes microbial activity, which in turn accelerates the composting process. Plus, it helps reduce the compost’s ammonia losses, bulk density and odor.
How to use bio-char to improve soil quality?
Bio-char is applied to agricultural soils using a variety of application rates and preparation techniques. The rate of application and preparation of the biochar will largely depend on specific soil conditions as well as on the materials used to make the biochar. It is often recommended to mix biochar with compost or other materials to inoculate it with nutrients and beneficial organisms.
Bio-char also contributes to the mitigation of climate change by enriching the soils and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions. The improved soil fertility also stimulates the growth of plants, which consume carbon dioxide. The many benefits of bio-char for both climate and agricultural systems make it a promising tool for regenerative agriculture.
Benefits -
MOST OF OUR WASTE TO ENERGY PRODUCTS ARE ENTITLED TO ENJOY CARBON CREDIT CERTIFICATION AND NUGREEN CAN THROUGH ITS ASSOCIATES ASSIST IN ENABLING THE SAME.