BIOCHAR Meaning and
Definition
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Biochar is a highly porous, carbon-rich solid material produced through the pyrolysis or thermal decomposition of biomass in oxygen-limited conditions. It is a form of charcoal that is specifically designed and engineered for application in agricultural and environmental contexts. Biochar is produced from a wide range of organic materials, such as agricultural waste, wood chips, crop residues, and animal manure.
This carbon-rich material is known for its unique set of properties that make it valuable for various applications. Its porous structure enables biochar to retain and store water, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms, enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth. Additionally, biochar has a high surface area, contributing to its ability to adsorb and retain pollutants from soil and water, thus reducing environmental contamination.
The production of biochar is considered a carbon-negative process since it captures carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, due to biomass decomposition or burning. By sequestering carbon in the soil for an extended period of time, biochar also helps mitigate climate change by reducing the greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere.
Biochar is often used as a soil amendment, particularly in agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping. Its application to agricultural soils increases nutrient retention, improves soil structure, enhances water-holding capacity, and promotes microbial activity. Moreover, biochar has the potential to remediate polluted soils and waters, as its adsorption capacity allows it to effectively trap heavy metals and organic pollutants.
In summary, biochar is a carbon-rich material that is produced through the pyrolysis of biomass, with properties that make it a beneficial soil amendment for enhancing fertility, sequestering carbon, and reducing environmental contamination.
Etymology of BIOCHAR
The word "biochar" is derived from the combination of two words: "bio" and "char".
"Bio" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "bios", meaning "life". It is commonly used to refer to living organisms or anything related to life, biology, or the environment.
"Char" is a word that originates from the Old English word "ceorfan", meaning "to cut or carve". It refers to the black, carbonaceous residue formed when biomass - such as wood, crop residues, or manure - is heated in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. This process breaks down the organic matter into a stable form of carbon, resulting in the formation of char.
