What is the use of Biochar in farming? Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in the vertical farming? When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen fixing microorganisms. [2020]

What is the use of Biochar in farming?

Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in the vertical farming
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogen fixing microorganisms.
When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it enables the medium to retain water for a longer time.

Biochar is utilised in vertical farming to improve soil quality and support plant growth.

Biochar provides a habitat for beneficial microorganisms, including those that fix nitrogen, which enhances soil fertility.

Biochar improves water retention in the soil.
Concerns with Biochar: Contaminated feedstocks may transfer pollutants like heavy metals into biochar.
- During pyrolysis, carbon-containing gases are emitted, mainly volatile organic carbon species (VOC), carbon monoxide, and aerosols.
- It can alter soil pH, affect nutrient availability, and disrupt microbial communities.

Biochar is charcoal that is used as a soil amendment (minor improvement). It is created by pyrolysis (decomposition at high temperatures), heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment. Once the pyrolysis reaction has begun, it is self-sustaining and requires no external energy input.
By-products of the process include syngas (H2 + CO), minor quantities of methane (CH4), organic acids and excess heat. The syngas and excess heat can be used directly or employed to produce a variety of biofuels.
Benefits of Biochar:
- Improves soil health: It improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient-holding capacity.
- Carbon sequestration: It is a stable form of carbon that can be stored for centuries.
- Reduces water pollution: It can filter out pollutants from water, such as pesticides and heavy metals.
- It can reduce the amount of pathogens in the soil.
- It can reduce emissions by 70% as compared to open stubble burning.