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Possible partial achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) by production and application of biochar
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The planet Earth has been thronged by a horde of threatening issues since the late twentieth century. Climate change, fossil fuel depletion and various types of pollution, including heavy metal pollution, have hit the humanity hard. Application of biochar has been emerged as a viable option to tackle heavy metal pollution. Biochar is a carbonaceous...
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This paper explores the characteristics of biomass waste (wood chips and wheat husk) experimentally. Wood has been the primary and cheap fuel for cooking in many households of different countries because it is easily accessible whereas wheat husk is also produced parallely in huge amount but its handling and proper utilisation also needs to be cons...
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... Although biochar pH depends on the source material, it is often alkaline and can help increase soil pH serving as a valuable amendment in acidic soils. Its porous structure entraps waters and offers habitat for microbial populations that further assist in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling [90]. Thus, it can play a vital role in increasing soil water retention and physical structure improvement. ...
Anthropogenic activities have resulted in land desertification in various regions of the world, leading to the degradation of critical soil characteristics such as organic matter (OM) content, nutrient stock, and prevailing biodiversity. Restoring such degraded soils through organic matter amendments and diversified crop rotations is thus an intrinsic part of organic farming. This review discusses a wide range of organic farming impacts on soil health and crop productivity by focusing on organic fertilizers and crop diversification. Conventional fertilizers were considered vital for agricultural production to harvest high crop yields. Nevertheless, they are now deemed as environmentally hazardous and an obstacle to sustainable agroecosystems due to intensive chemical inputs that damage the soil over time and have long-lasting impacts. Conventional fertilization results in nutrient depletion, loss of microbial diversity, organic matter reduction, and deterioration of physical characteristics of the soil. Conversely, organic fertilization makes use of naturally existing resources to improve soil health. Organic amendments such as biochar, manure, and fermented grass improve soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties and promote the growth and diversity of beneficial soil microorganisms—important in nutrient cycling and soil stability. They facilitate the uptake of nutrients, hinder crop pathogen growth, mitigate heavy metals, and decompose xenobiotic organic substances. Moreover, growing cover crops is also a major strategy to improve soil health. Diversified crop rotation with combinatorial use of organic fertilizers may improve soil health and agricultural yields without any detrimental impacts on the environment and soil, ensuring sustainable food production, safety, and security. This integrated approach contributes to minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and their effects on environmental health. It also contributes to reducing agricultural inputs along with enhancing OM, soil microbial diversity and biomass, nitrogen fixation, and carbon sequestration. Therefore, cover crops and organic fertilization may offer sustainable agroecosystems and climate change mitigation.
... Furthermore, the impact of nano-BC application on altering soil properties, such as soil pH and contaminant levels, can influence plant growth positively but may also induce stress on plants in certain cases. A study by Kumar and Bhattacharya (2021) demonstrated that changes in soil pH due to nanomaterial application can affect nutrient availability and uptake, impacting plant growth and development. Nano-BC alters soil physiochemical properties, which might have certain negative effects on the abundance and community composition of plant-associated microbial communities (Lehmann et al., 2011;Liu et al., 2022). ...
Nanobiochar represents a novel intersection of nanotechnology and sustainable agriculture, holding promise for addressing contemporary challenges in soil health, carbon sequestration, and resource efficiency. Synthesis methods, unique physicochemical properties, and potential applications in various sectors are systematically analysed, contributing to a deeper understanding of this innovative bio-based nanomaterial. The social impact of nanobiochar is investigated, highlighting its role in creating sustainable livelihoods, fostering community engagement, and promoting inclusive agricultural practices. The review also includes the soil-related effects of nanobiochar. Nanobiochar’s role in mitigating soil degradation, enhancing fertility, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices is also studied. The paper evaluates the potential for nanobiochar to sequester carbon effectively and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Furthermore, attention is directed towards the environmental considerations and ethical implications associated with the use of nanobiochar. This review paper offers a comprehensive viewpoint on the effects of nanobiochar on environment and agriculture.
... Moreover, it improves the activity of proteins related to stress-responsive, gene expression, chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthetic activity, and maintain the hormonal and osmolytes balance, which in turn increase tolerance against ionic and osmotic stresses (Wu et al., 2023). Biochar can be useful in relation to climate change, by syngas production, reduce the use of fossil fuels via bio-oil and sequestering carbon, and it turns out to be an eco-friendly and cheap strategy (Kumar & Bhattacharya, 2021). ...
An experiment was conducted in 2018 to investigate the effect of polyamine and biochar treatments on physiological traits of garlic under saline conditions. Salinity increased the activities of the enzymes (2.38-166.66%), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (3.72–8.32%) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) (7.88–9.85%) radical scavenging activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) (32-59.15%), proline (21.39–45.29%) and soluble sugars contents (35.58–71.67%), ion leakage (22.95–62.01%) and also leaf temperature (LT) (13.18–39.37), but decreased leaf water content (LWC) (2.17–14.90%), chlorophylls (Chl a (32–45%), Chl b (26–54%) and chlorophyll index (CCI)) contents (10.67–21.78%), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) (9.06–16.44%) and total phenolic concentration (33.19–64.24%). Application of biochar and polyamines decreased LT, MDA and proline contents, ion leakage, soluble sugars and enzymes activities, but increased the Chl a, Chl b and CCI contents, Fv/Fm and total phenolic concentration. Also, application of biochar enhanced the LWC (1.97–3.88%) and carotenoid (6.23–14.19%) contents. Climate change had caused many threats soil ecosystem, among them, soil salinity. Salinity is one of the widespread and main challenges in the recent era that hinders environmental sustainability and global food security. Thus several strategies are suggested to mitigate this issue. In this context, biochar and polyamines are known as potent amendments able to alleviate the salt stress on the crops. Application of biochar and polyamines alleviated the harmful effects of soil salinity on physiological performance of plants such as garlic and also application of putrescine and 20% of biochar were superior treatments compared to other treatments. Our findings suggest a valuable starting point for developing crop management strategies based on biochar and polyamine applications to enhance plant performance under saline conditions and reduce freshwater dependence in agriculture.
... Biochar is charred biomass that enhances cation exchange capacity, water retention, aeration, and nutrient availability in soils. Its porous structure also adsorbs certain contaminants reducing their mobility [195,196]. ...
... Biochar enhances the stability of the soil and prevents its runoff and erosion, thus enhancing the health and fertility of the soil. Biochar adsorbs pollutants present in the soil, thus helping in the remediation of pollutants from the soil (GĄSIOR and TIC 2017; Kumar and Bhattacharya 2021;Mazarji et al. 2021;He et al. 2022). Social sustainability: biochar improves soil health and fertility resulting in better production and thus contributes to food and nutrient security. ...
... The use of biochar in agriculture is the future of sustainable agriculture it can create new markets and business opportunities, that can enhance economic growth. Biochar synthesized from algae and agriwaste residue represents a circular economy approach because it utilizes waste and converts it into a valuable product that enhances soil fertility (GĄSIOR and TIC 2017;Kumar and Bhattacharya 2021;Mona et al. 2021;He et al. 2022). Figure 2 represents the linkage between biochar derived from algae and agri-waste residue and sustainable development. ...
To address soil degradation and environmental sustainability, the utilization of biochar derived from algal and agricultural waste residues for sustainable soil enhancement offers a promising avenue. The synthesis of biochar using algae and agricultural waste residues provides dual benefits: it transforms waste into valuable products and enhances soil fertility and health. Biochar derived from these sources exhibits remarkable physical and chemical properties, such as high nutrient content, water retention capacity, high porosity, and large surface area. The application of biochar in soil mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, promotes sustainable soil management practices, and contributes to climate change mitigation. However, technological advancements and feedstock variability present challenges that require further exploration. Support from policy and technological innovation is essential to improve biochar production and its application in soil enhancement. This review discusses the potential of biochar synthesized from algae and agricultural waste residues in sustainable soil enhancement. It also highlights recent advances in this field and the need for further research to scale up these green technologies for large-scale applications, emphasizing the process through the lens of sustainability. The study explores innovative pathways to improve soil health, promote crop productivity, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
... Biochar is a carbon-rich substance that is produced through pyrolysis [24]. It is generally derived from waste biomass, such as agricultural and forestry residues or municipal biosolids. ...
The use of biochar in water resource and recovery facilities (WRRF) shows promise for recovery of phosphorus (P) to use as a biochar-based fertilizer (BBF) that can replace conventional fertilizers, promote carbon sequestration, and improve soil quality. In this study, biochar was recovered after being dosed into secondary-treated discharge from a municipal WRRF. The value of the recovered biochar as a BBF was tested in a lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth trial. The BBF was compared to an inorganic fertilizer, raw biochar, and controls that had either only nitrogen (N) fertilizer or no amendment. The ability of the treatments to support plant growth was determined by measuring plant height, biomass, leaf tissue total N and P concentration, and plant quality. Plant quality for the Fe-modified biochar used in the WRRF was 9.05 (±0.44) on a 10-point scale compared to 9.61 (±0.46) for the inorganic fertilizer treatment and 2.22 (±0.82) for the untreated control. Plant tissue P concentrations were 6.28 (±0.83), 9.88 (±0.90), 15.46 (±2.54), and 6.36 (±1.91) g plant −1 for the raw biochar, Fe-modified biochar used in the WRRF, inorganic fertilizer, and no amendment treatments, respectively. Soil P availability and P uptake amount in the leaves indicated that the BBF released P more slowly than the inorganic P fertilizer; however, it was sufficiently available for uptake to support plant growth to maturity. Results from these experiments show that Fe-modified biochar used in WRRF can supply adequate P to plants. The slow release will reduce P leaching into surface waters.
... Thus, converting these wastes into biochar offers significant potential for sustainable urban development. Specifically, the synergy of biochar and green roofs (GRs) can effectively address urban challenges such as air and water pollution, urban flooding, heat island effects, and biodiversity loss [144]. ...
Green roofs (GRs) are a well-established green infrastructure (GI) strategy that have been extensively studied for decades to address a growing array of social and environmental challenges. Research efforts have been continuously made to contribute to the awareness of benefits of GRs and towards their widespread application. The substrate, which is one of the crucial layers of a GR system, plays a major role in the serviceability of GRs. Thus, several studies have been undertaken to alter the substrate characteristics by applying innovative substrate additives. Biochar, a carbon-rich material with a highly porous structure and large specific surface area, has been found advantageous in several areas such as agriculture, water filtration, environmental remediation, construction, and so on. However, the application of biochar in GRs has been insufficiently studied, partially because biochar amendment in GRs is a relatively recent innovation. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the performance of biochar-amended GR substrates is lacking. This review paper aims to summarize the past performance of GRs enhanced with biochar by considering the various benefits that biochar offers. The results indicate that most of the reviewed studies observed increased retention of runoff and nutrients when utilizing biochar. Additionally, the capabilities of biochar in improving thermal insulation, plant performance, and microbial diversity, as well as its effectiveness in sequestrating carbon and controlling soil erosion, were mostly agreed upon. Notwithstanding, a definitive conclusion cannot yet be confidently made due to the limited research information from biochar–GR systems and the uneven research focus observed in the studies reviewed. The influence of biochar-related variables (including amendment rates, application methods, processed forms, and particle size) on the effectiveness of biochar was also discussed. Opportunities for future research were suggested to fill the research gaps and address challenges restricting the application of biochar in GRs. Detailed information from past research findings could serve as a foundation for further investigations into the large-scale implementation of biochar in GRs.
... Recent research indicates the use of biochar as a carrier for nanoparticles and also enriched with other substances to enhance electron transfer [20,21]. Moreover, using agro-industrial residues avoids the cultivation of other biomasses that could lead to competition for food production areas as well as the use of other biomasses that may contain contaminants and limit biochar utilisation [22][23][24]. ...
... Pyrolysis is the most commonly used method for biochar production, characterised as a process of thermal decomposition of the organic matrix of biomasses in an oxygen-Agronomy 2024, 14,1861 3 of 19 restricted environment [32]. The conversion above the thermal stability limit of the biomass forms a more stable product, biochar [24]. ...
Soil amended with biochar is considered a significant response to climate change, remediation of degraded soils, and agronomic improvements. An artisanal mobile pyrolysis kiln was developed for small-sized biomass inputs. Approximately 190 kg of biochar was produced in 21 carbonisation processes using acai residues (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as raw material, as they are among the most abundant agro-industrial residues in the Amazon. It is a valuable and underutilised biomass resource, often inadequately discarded, causing environmental impact and health risks. The physicochemical and structural characteristics of four representative biochar samples from the pyrolysis processes were evaluated using different techniques. The produced biochar had an average pH of 8.8 and the ICP-OES results indicate that the most abundant elements were potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). Results of the elemental composition indicate that the produced biochar has a very stable carbon with an average H/C ratio of 0.23 and O/C ratio of 0.16, indicating that the pyrolysis performed was effective in transforming organic and volatile compounds into stable structures. Variations in nutrient contents call for soil application planning, as performed for other agricultural inputs. The developed mobile kiln can be adapted and favour the decentralisation of biochar production among small and medium-sized producers. Here, we show that even with variations in artisanal production, the biochar produced exhibits favourable characteristics for agronomic use and combating climate changes.
... This reduction increased to 49 % for spring rice and 38 % for summer rice after eight years of continuous biochar application, as highlighted by Mohammadi et al. (2016). Moreover, in India, Kumar and Bhattacharya (2021) reported a substantial net profit of 18 % per hectare by converting rice straw into biochar. ...
Paddy straw is a versatile and valuable resource with multifaceted benefits for nutrient cycling, soil health, and climate mitigation. Its role as a rich nutrient source and organic matter significantly enhances soil vitality while improving soil structure and moisture retention. The impact of paddy straw extends beyond traditional agricultural benefits, encompassing the promotion of microbial activity, erosion control, and carbon sequestration, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Furthermore, the potential of paddy straw in bioenergy is explored, encompassing its conversion into biogas, biofuels, and thermal energy. The inherent characteristics of paddy straw, including its high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content, position it as a viable candidate for bioenergy production through innovative processes like pyrolysis, gasification, anaerobic digestion, and combustion. Recent research has uncovered state-of-the-art techniques and innovative technologies capable of converting paddy straw into valuable products, including sugar, ethanol, paper, and fiber, broadening its potential applications. This paper aims to underscore the possibilities for value creation through paddy straw, emphasizing its potential use in bioenergy, bio-products, and other environmental applications. Therefore, by recognizing and harnessing the value of paddy straw, we can advocate for sustainable farming practices, reduce waste, and pave the way for a resource-efficient circular economy. Incorporating paddy straw utilization into agricultural systems can pave the way for enhanced resource efficiency and a more sustainable circular economy.
... Meanwhile, the study by Nair et al. (2022) explored the conversion of wood waste into bioenergy fuels, showing great potential in minimising waste and harnessing renewable energy. In addition, research by Kumar & Bhattacharya (2021) developed biochar technology from wood waste that can be used as a pollutant sink, thus not only reducing waste but also assisting in soil and water quality management. These three studies demonstrate innovative approaches to wood waste management for sustainability purposes. ...
Wood waste management is an important issue in the Mojowarno Jombang area, due to the high production of waste from the wood processing industry while its utilisation is only for firewood. This service aims to increase community awareness about the utilisation of wood waste into economically valuable products, while reducing negative impacts on the environment. The service partners include small and medium enterprise (SME) groups and local communities active in the handicraft industry. The method used is socialisation and technical training on processing wood waste into creative products such as handicrafts and economic goods. The training covers basic processing techniques, product design, and marketing. The results showed an increase in community skills and understanding in managing wood waste, as well as an increase in income through the sale of processed products. In conclusion, this service successfully created a circular economy model in Mojowarno by utilising wood waste into value-added products. This result is important because it shows that a community-based approach to waste management can be an effective solution to environmental and local economic problems. This service is expected to be an example for other areas with similar problems.
