Biochar: A New Solution To Climate Change in Agricultural Sector

By Anshula Mandaokar , 18 July, 2023

Climate change is leading to the invention of various alternatives for saving the earth's ecosystem. The agricultural sector has come up with an adaptation of biochar, which consequently adds a lot of benefits to the soil. Better working of the microbes for the ideal habitat leads to biochar being adapted in crop production by 15 percent. Biochar market revenue for 2023 is USD 541.8 million globally, up from USD 507.2 million in 2022.

For various reasons, biochar is more enriching than other fertilizers for nutrients. The component is more porous and stores nutrients, providing the plants at the right time. It is more environmentally friendly due to less nutrient draining, resulting in higher crop production. The pyrolysis technology for biochar production led to a revenue share of more than 64 percent in 2022, giving a higher production rate with stability. Since biochar production helps retain water and fertilizer holding competency, it is used widely in the agricultural sector. This sector witnessed a revenue share of more than 76 percent for biochar in 2022. Also, the demand is rising in developing economies to cope with waste management. Biochar is known for controlling soil acidity and capturing carbon back in the soil.

A recent study states that biochar is a best practice for optimizing the soil and other benefits. It is the best fit for adaptations in forestry and farming. In the traditional method of decomposition of crop fields, 10-20 percent of carbon is recycled into the soil, while in biochar, this can be up to 50 percent. Studies have also shown that the release of nitrous oxide and methane can be reduced up to 18 percent and 3 percent, respectively, using biochar.

Biochar is a good alternative for preserving soil quality, long-term sustainability, and being environmentally friendly.