Biochar Production & Application
Heard of Terrapreta soils of Amazon Basin? These are also known as Amazonian dark earth, which are a type of fertile soils found in the Amazon rainforest region. The term "terrapreta" means "dark earth" in Portuguese. It is believed that these soils were formed by indigenous cultures in the Amazon thousands of years ago. These ancient civilizations used a combination of biochar, organic waste, pottery shards and other materials to create these unique fertile soils. The benefits of terrapreta soils include enhanced nutrient retention, increased water-holding capacity, improved soil fertility and long-term carbon sink. Their high fertility and nutrient content make them ideal for growing crops and their ability to sequester carbon could help mitigate climate change. The only way to replicate these soils in any part of world is to add Biochar to the soil.
Biochar
Biochar is a type of charcoal that is produced through a process called pyrolysis, which involves heating biomass (such as wood, crop residues or animal manure) in the absence of oxygen. This results in the conversion of the biomass into a stable carbon-rich material known as biochar. Biochar production – is a carbon negative process. Unstable carbon in decaying biomass is converted in to stable form with life of 100 to 1000 years. The biochar so produced is powdered, sieved and added to agricultural soils at a recommended rate, which depends on various factors like feedstock type, production conditions, soil characteristics and crop requirements.
​
Our core purpose at Tapovanam Biochar Project is to promote the widespread adoption of biochar as a sustainable agricultural solution. We aim to combat climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil, while simultaneously improving crop yields and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. Our ultimate goal is to create a more sustainable and resilient food system for future generations.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
A biochar plant using cotton stalks as feedstock is being established in Telangana. This plant will enable farmers to manage their agricultural waste sustainably, instead of resorting to open burning. The produced biochar will be utilized by farmers, decreasing their reliance on chemical fertilizers.
​
At Tapovanam, we are proud to have a diverse and passionate team dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture. Our team consists of experts in agriculture, soil science, finance and management, all working together to drive innovation and promote environmental stewardship.
We are planning to distribute it among farming community, as biochar application to soil has following advantages –
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
1. pH regulation: Biochar has a neutral pH, which can help to regulate soil acidity. It acts as a buffer, preventing rapid changes in soil pH and creating a more stable growing environment for crops.
​
2. Soil improvement: When biochar is added to soil, it improves soil fertility and structure. It has a high porosity, which helps to retain moisture, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Biochar also enhances soil aeration and reduces soil compaction, thereby promoting healthier root growth.
​
3. Nutrient retention: Biochar has a high cation exchange capacity (CEC), which means it can attract and hold onto nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This helps prevent nutrient leaching and makes the nutrients more available to plants over an extended period. Biochar can also help reduce fertilizer requirements by improving nutrient retention in the soil.
​
4. Microbial activity: Biochar provides a habitat for beneficial microorganisms in the soil, such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression, thereby enhancing overall soil health.
​
5. Water management: The high porosity of biochar improves water retention in the soil, reducing water loss through runoff and increasing water availability for plant roots. This can be particularly beneficial in areas prone to drought or with sandy soils that have poor water-holding capacity.
​
6. Carbon sequestration: Biochar is a stable form of carbon that can remain in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years. By adding biochar to agricultural soils, carbon is effectively sequestered, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Grow Your Vision
.png)