Abstract: Biochar is a fine-grained, carbon enriched product created
when biomass (e.g. wood waste, manures) is bumed at relatively
low temperatures (less than 1300°F) and under an anoxic (lack of
oxygen) atmosphere. The process itself is called pyrolysis and is
similar to the production of charcoal, yet the intent is generally to
create biofuel with the concomitant production of the secondary
product, biochar.
Benefits of biochar addition to soils are recognized. Arnazonian
dark earth soils, also known as terra preta, are charcoalenriched
soils containing a high nutrient content from reduced leaching,
likely a response of human-induced biochar accumulation.
These soils, dating to between 450 BC and 950 AD, are unique to the Amazon region, as most tropical
soils are highly weathered and thus
generally infertile.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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