Biochar Production for Green Economy

Agricultural and Environmental Perspectives

1st Edition - June 20, 2024
Editors: Shiv Vendra Singh, Ram Swaroop Meena, Sandip Mandal, Sumit Chaturvedi, Govindaraju K
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 5 5 0 6 - 2
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 1 5 5 0 7 - 9

Biochar Production for Green Economy: Agricultural and Environmental Perspectives addresses the advancements and developments for the efficient diversification of biochar toward ac… Read more

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Biochar Production for Green Economy: Agricultural and Environmental Perspectives addresses the advancements and developments for the efficient diversification of biochar toward achieving improved agricultural and environmental benefits. This comprehensive and cohesive volume is the first to address the potential multi-and transdisciplinary opportunities of effective biochar production and use.

Including the potential applicability of not only crop waste biochar but weeds, agroforestry, agroindustry, municipal waste, as well chapters explore surface modified, enriched or tailored biochar for soil amendment, GHGs mitigation, bioremediation of organic, inorganic, metals and other emerging pollutants, as well as soil remediation. It also covers the trending multidisciplinary approaches of nanotechnology, surface chemistry and thermal decomposition advancements being adopted for capacity enhancement and versatile applicability in the field of agriculture, environment science and green energy synthesis. Composition and characteristics of tailored biochar, their interactions, and transformation into the soil and water ecosystem are illustrated.

This book is a valuable resource for those pursuing biochar related areas as well as those seeking environmentally sustainable solutions to crop, soil or water issues.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
List of contributors
About the editors
Preface
Chapter 1. Crop waste conversion into biochar: an overview
Abstract
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Properties of biochar
1.3 Biochar production technologies
1.4 Effect of biochar production process parameters on biochar yield and quality
1.5 Feedstock for biochar production
1.6 Applications of biochar
1.7 Policy and legislative framework
1.8 Overview of current biochar markets
1.9 Conclusion
References
A: Biochar production and modification
Chapter 2. Advanced pyrolysis reactors for energy efficient production of biochar
Abstract
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Types of pyrolysis reactors
2.3 Factors affecting the design of pyrolysis reactor
2.4 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 3. Microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization for biochar production: potential application and limitations
Abstract
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization
3.3 Applications of microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization
3.4 Limitations of microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization
3.5 Conclusion and future prospects
References
Chapter 4. Sustainable management and diversification of problematic wastes: prospects and challenges
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Types of problematic waste
4.3 Agro-ecological hazards from problematic wastes
4.4 Current technologies for waste management
4.5 Types of pyrolysis reactors used for treating problematic wastes
4.6 Diversification of problematic wastes through thermal degradation
4.7 Challenges of pyrolysis of problematic wastes
4.8 Conclusion and future thrust
References
Chapter 5. Modern tools and techniques of biochar characterization for targeted applications
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Properties and characterization of biochar
5.3 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
Chapter 6. Modeling the surface chemistry of biochar for efficient and wider applicability: opportunities and limitations
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Modifications in surface functional groups of biochar
6.3 Modification techniques for improving the surface chemistry of biochar
6.4 Role of feedstock in enhancing the surface chemistry of biochar
6.5 Role of pyrolysis temperature in enhancing the surface chemistry of biochar
6.6 Application of nanoparticles to enhance the surface chemistry of biochar
6.7 Opportunities, limitations, and conclusion
Acknowledgment
References
B: Biochar for soil improvements
Chapter 7. Biochar-based carbon farming: a holistic approach for crop productivity and soil health improvement
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Determinants of biochar stability
7.3 Biochar for yield sustenance: facts and prospects from different soils
7.4 Effect of biochar application on soil health parameters: an insight of soil physical-fertility-biological factors
7.5 Biochar for mitigation of climate change in different soils
7.6 Contribution of biochar in economics of carbon farming
7.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 8. Biochar as a soil amendment: effects on microbial communities and soil health
Abstract
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Biochar, its preparation methods, and properties
8.3 Biochar qualities associated with microbial diversity
8.4 Biochar–microbe interactions
8.5 Significance of soil microbial diversity on soil–plant–atmospheric continuum
8.6 The potential advantages of biochar and its application in enhancing soil health and promoting plant growth
8.7 Mechanism of plant growth stimulation by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria
8.8 Interaction of biochar and plant growth promoting rhizobacterias
8.9 Factors influencing the effectiveness of biochar
8.10 Considerations and difficulties
8.11 Conclusion and future direction
References
Chapter 9. Biochar mediated carbon and nutrient dynamics under arable land
Abstract
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Characteristics and production of biochar
9.3 Influence of biochar on agriculture productivity
9.4 Biochar effects on soil carbon dynamics and soil fertility
9.5 Mechanisms of biochar-mediated carbon sequestration
9.6 Biochar effects on different soil nutrient dynamics
9.7 Uses and limitations of biochar in agricultural arable land
9.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 10. Role of biochar in acidic soils amelioration
Abstract
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Properties of the biochar
10.3 Extent of acid soils: world and India
10.4 Biochar interactions in acidic soils
10.5 Biochar and soil carbon sequestration
10.6 Future challenges and perspective
10.7 Conclusions
References
Chapter 11. Biochar as a soil amendment for saline soils reclamation: mechanisms and efficacy
Abstract
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Biochar can serve as a viable amendment for soil with high salinity
11.3 Role of biochar on soil properties
11.4 Conclusion
References
Chapter 12. Biochar imparting abiotic stress resilience
Abstract
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Drought
12.3 Flood
12.4 Salinization
12.5 Heat stress
12.6 Heavy metals
12.7 Conclusion and future perspective
References
Chapter 13. Biochar application in sustainable production of horticultural crops in the new era of soilless cultivation
Abstract
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Biochar for horticultural rooting media
13.3 Biochar-mediated suppression of abiotic stresses
13.4 Biochar-mediated suppression of biotic stresses
13.5 Enhanced seed germination using biochar
13.6 Biochar-mediated enhanced root growth of horticultural crops
13.7 Conclusion and future perspectives
References
Chapter 14. Biochar-based slow-release fertilizers toward sustainable nutrition supply
Abstract
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Biochar-based slow-release fertilizers
14.3 Preparation methods of biochar-based slow-release fertilizers
14.4 Applications of biochar-based slow-release fertilizers
14.5 Challenges and future perspectives
14.6 Conclusions
References
Chapter 15. Microbial dynamics and carbon stability under biochar-amended soils
Abstract
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Microbial dynamics in biochar-amended soils
15.3 Biochar and carbon stability
15.4 Interactions between microbial dynamics and carbon stability
15.5 Conclusion and future perspectives
References
Chapter 16. Nutrient enriched and co-composted biochar: system productivity and environmental sustainability
Abstract
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Biochar as a matrix to produce sustainable fertilizers
16.3 Slow-release mechanisms of biochar-based fertilizers
16.4 Cocomposted biochar as an enriched nutrient source
16.5 Conclusion
References
C: Environmental sustainability and bioremediation
Chapter 17. Biochar-led methanogenic and methanotrophic microbial community shift: mitigating methane emissions
Abstract
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Overview of the biochar’s potential to mitigate methane emissions
17.3 Methanogenesis and methane emissions from cropping systems
17.4 Methanotrophs and methane oxidation from cropping systems
17.5 Biochar-led methanogenesis and methanotrophy
17.6 Biochar stimulates the methanogenic and methanotrophic microbial shift
17.7 Physicochemical properties of biochar relevant to methane mitigation
17.8 Conclusion and future perspectives
References
Chapter 18. Biochar enhances carbon stability and regulates greenhouse gas flux under crop production systems
Abstract
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Surplus crop residue vis-a-vis biochar production
18.3 Biochar and its significant properties
18.4 Carbon storage potential of biochar
18.5 Biochar mitigating greenhouse gases emission
18.6 Challenges and future prospects
References
Chapter 19. The use of biochar to reduce carbon footprint: toward net zero emission from agriculture
Abstract
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Carbon footprint and its significance in the changing global environment
19.3 Carbon footprint
19.4 Greenhouse gas emissions and the role of agriculture’s production system
19.5 Potential of biochar to cut down on greenhouse effects
19.6 Related favorable impacts of biochar on climate change mitigation
19.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 20. Biochar as climate-smart strategy to address climate change mitigation and adoption in 21st century
Abstract
20.1 Introduction
20.2 Factors affecting the ability of biochar to fix carbon in the soil
20.3 Biochar and climate change
20.4 Impact of biochar application on carbon footprint under different landforms
20.5 Biochar-based carbon crediting
20.6 Conclusions and future recommendations
References
Chapter 21. Biochar for pollutants bioremediation from soil and water ecosystem
Abstract
21.1 Introduction
21.2 Occurrence and fates of emerging contaminants in the ecosystem
21.3 Properties of biochar affecting removal of emerging contaminants
21.4 Biochar application for removal of emerging contaminants from aqueous system
21.5 Biochar application for removal of emerging contaminants from the soil system
21.6 Challenges and future perspective
21.7 Conclusions
References
Chapter 22. Tailored biochar: a win–win strategy to remove inorganic contaminants from soil and water
Abstract
22.1 Introduction
22.2 Occurrence and fates of inorganic pollutants in the soil and water ecosystem
22.3 Modification methods for the preparation of engineered biochar
22.4 Chemical modification of biochar and their effect on contaminant bioremediation from soil and water
22.5 Physical modification of biochar and their effect on contaminant bioremediation from soil and water
22.6 Biological modification of biochar and their effect on contaminant bioremediation from soil and water
22.7 Regeneration of used modified biochar
22.8 Future perspective
22.9 Conclusion
References
Chapter 23. Bioremediation of organic pollutants soil and water through biochar for a healthy ecosystem
Abstract
23.1 Introduction
23.2 Bioremediation of organic contaminants in water using biochar
23.3 Mechanisms for organic pollutant removal using biochar
23.4 Factors affecting biochar and its impact on soil and water management
23.5 Challenges, opportunities, and future research directions
23.6 Conclusion
References
Chapter 24. Briquetting and pelleting of pine biochar: an income source for small-scale farmers of the hilly area
Abstract
24.1 Introduction
24.2 Pine needle biomass
24.3 Pine needle biochar
24.4 Characteristics of pine needle biochar
24.5 Briquetting and pelleting of pine biochar
24.6 Briquetting and pelleting as an income source
24.7 Rural development and employment for hilly region farmers
24.8 Conclusion
References
Chapter 25. Engineered biochar: potential application toward agricultural and environmental sustainability
Abstract
25.1 Introduction
25.2 Production technology of engineered biochar
25.3 Properties of engineered biochar
25.4 Critical factors to maximize the advantages of engineered biochar
25.5 Application of engineered biochar
25.6 Conclusion
References
Index

Shiv Vendra Singh

Dr. Shiv Vendra Singh (M.Sc. (Ag.) in Agronomy from N.D. University of Agriculture & Technology, Ayodhya, India. doctoral degree in Agronomy from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India) is an assistant professor at Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, India. He has research experience in the field of biochar based nitrogenous fertilizers production, biochar enrichment, soil quality enhancement, carbon sequestration, GHGs emission and carbon footprint mitigation under biochar-based rice-wheat production system. Besides, he has received the reputed awards and fellowships from state and national agencies (e.g., Vice-Chancellor Gold Medal, NDUAT, Ayodhya; INSPIRE Fellowship, DST, GOI; Prize in National Essay Writing on Waste to Wealth by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, GOI; Young Scientist Award, UCOST-Uttarakhand State Science & Technology Council, Uttarakhand; Student Excellence Award, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, INDIA).

Affiliations and expertise

Assistant Professor, Graphic Era Hill University, India

Ram Swaroop Meena

Dr. Ram Swaroop Meena is an Agronomist working in the Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. Dr. Meena has been awarded Raman Research Fellowship by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. He has completed his postdoctoral research on soil carbon sequestration under Padma Shri Prof. Rattan Lal, World Food Prize Laureate, Columbus, USA. Dr. Meena has completed 10 external funded projects including, MHRD, ICAR, DST, etc.

Affiliations and expertise

Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, (UP), India

Sandip Mandal

Dr. Sandip Mandal is a Senior Scientist in ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, India. He possesses nearly 17 years of research experience in the field of biochar and bioenergy, biochar production, biochar enrichment, carbon sequestration. He has published 61 scientific publications including 29 full-length articles, 9 book chapters, and 23 other technical and popular articles. He has been selected as NAAS Associate in the year 2021. He was also awarded with prestigious NRDC Societal Innovation Award 2018, Jawaharlal Nehru Award for Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Research in Agricultural and Allied Sciences in 2019 by ICAR, As a scientist, he has been associated with the development of multiple improved farm machinery and Bio-energy technologies including significant contributions towards hill agriculture and Biochar for C- sequestration and soil health improvement and enriched biochar for soil amendment.

Affiliations and expertise

Senior Scientist, ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, India

Sumit Chaturvedi

Dr Chaturvedi has over 15 years experience in research, teaching and extension education in Agronomy and Agroforestry. He is an Associate Professor in Department of Agronomy, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, and also holds administrative position such as Nodal Officer, ICAR Cell and Assistant Coordinator, Planning & Technical Cell, VC’s Office, GBPUAT. Presently, he is associated with about 20 research projects from different government and non-government agencies, notable among them are Designing controlled release fertilizer utilizing agriwaste biochar, funded by NICRA, ICAR; AICRP-IFS; AICRP-Agroforestry; Morpho-physiological and Biochemical characterization and mitigation of Terminal Heat in Wheat, USCost, Uttarakhand and FIST, DST, GoI etc. He has various awards to his credits; notable are Chancellor gold medal (1999), 4 vice-chancellor gold medal (1999), Best Oral Presentation Award, Best Editor Award (2017) in international event, Faculty Excellence Award-2017 and ISA-Indian Associateship Award (2018) and Dr P S Deshmukh Young Agronomist Award-2017 (2021) from ISA, New Delhi.

Affiliations and expertise

Associate Professor, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India

Govindaraju K

Scientist E/Associate Professor Govindaraju K. works at the Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology in Chennai, India.

Affiliations and expertise

Scientist E/Associate Professor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, India