Physico-chemical Characterization of Biochar from Different Biomass Materials

Aim: To conduct the physico-chemical analysis of biochar derived from various organic residues, an examination of the physical characteristics including bulk density, water retention capacity, and the chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon, as well as the concentration of macro and micro nutrients were evaluated.

Study Design: Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with 7 treatments and 3 replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The investigation was conducted at Integrated Farming System Research, Karamana, Kerala Agricultural University during 2021-2023.

Methods: Organic residues from different sources were converted into biochar utilizing a double barrel Biochar Kiln, and subsequently, the biochars were analyzed in a Soil and Plant Analysis laboratory to determine their physical and chemical properties.

Result: Physio-chemical properties of biochar vary significantly with the choice of feedstock material. Banana pseudostem biochar reported the lowest bulk density (0.21 Mg m-3) and highest water holding capacity (327.74%). All the biochar produced were alkaline in nature, and they contained high cation exchange capacity ranging between 9.34 to 14.10cmol (+) kg-1. Macro and micro nutrient contents were comparatively higher in Limnocharis flava biochar and Banana pseudostem biochar.

Conclusion: Organic residues can be successfully converted to biochar and results obtained show the suitability of application of produced biochar as a soil amendment.