About Biochar

• 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.
• Its highly porous structure provides a large surface area that helps retain water, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

Applications of Biochar

• Carbon Sequestration: Helps mitigate climate change by locking carbon in a stable form that doesn’t quickly return to the atmosphere.
• Soil Health: Enhances soil fertility and microbial activity, leading to increased crop yields.
• Water Retention: Improves the soil’s ability to retain water, which is especially beneficial in arid regions.
• Waste Management: Converts organic waste into a useful product, reducing the need for landfills.
• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: When added to soil, biochar can help reduce the release of nitrous oxide and methane.

Why in News?

• Researchers at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to manage ecological risks using biochar. 
• Mixing biochar into contaminated soil reduced DDT uptake by earthworms by half. 
• This approach could allow crop cultivation on currently unusable land.