Biochar application for land improvement
Type: Technologies
Creation: 2019-08-04 06:32 Updated: 2021-01-15 12:22
Compilers: Bunjirtluk Jintaridth
Reviewers: Rima Mekdaschi Studer, Pitayakon Limtong, William Critchley
Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment
- Country: Thailand
- Region/ State/ Province: Chonburi province
- Further specification of location (e.g. municipality, town, etc.), if relevant: Bor Kwang Tong District, Chonburi province
- Map: View Map
Description of the SLM Technology
Short description of the Technology
Biological charcoal, or biochar, is porous charcoal obtained from biomass. Biochar as a soil amendment helps improve soil fertility as well as sequestering carbon in the soil.
Detailed description of the Technology
Biological charcoal or biochar is porous charcoal obtained from biomass. To obtain biochar, biomass is loaded into a kiln that can be heated to very high temperature (higher than 500 degrees Farenheit). The biomass goes through a process of biodegradation called pyrolysis. After a few hours, this biomass is converted into a coal-like substance, which farmers can use as a soil amendment. Biochar is an alternative way to solve the problems of the environment such as healthy soils, food production and global warming reduction.
Such charcoal production is a technology that can be conducted from the level of farmers to the level of industries. Lehmann and Joseph (2009) collated research work related to the properties of biochar. It was found that biochar had a property of neutrality to alkalinity. It is porous, can hold water and has a composition of elements such as phosphorus, potassium and calcium - but especially carbon. Their findings indicated that biochar can absorb nutrients well, can withstand biological and chemical decomposition and promote activities of microorganisms in the soil. In addition to this biochar, through its positive effect on carbon sequestration, is another way to reduce the emission of carbon to the atmosphere - which is the cause of climate change through the greenhouse effect. Carbon is effectively locked in the biochar and not released. Much research has found that biochar is suitable for agricultural application. It improves soil properties physically, chemically and biologically. To work with biochar, we need a biochar kiln to produce it.
Photos of the Technology
- 📍 Bor Kwang Tong District, Chonburi province
- 📷 Dr.Bunjirtluk Jintaridth
- 📍 Bor Kwang Tong District, Chonburi province
- 📷 Dr.Pansak Komes