Use of Biochar and natural (bio)polymers for enhanced crop productivity in dry land areas (Phase II: 2014-19).
 Use of Biochar and natural (bio)polymers for enhanced crop productivity in dry land areas (Phase II: 2014-19). Use of Biochar and natural (bio)polymers for enhanced crop productivity in dry land areas (Phase II: 2014-19).

MCRC has developed a simple and cost-effective method to convert various agricultural, industrial, and commonly available wastes into biochar using a slow pyrolysis process in a kiln, which operates in the absence of oxygen at low temperatures. The kilns, designed in different capacities (60, 75 and 120 kg), are tailored for locally available biomass and ease of handling. Biochar produced from this process has been tested as a soil amendment to enhance organic carbon content, water-holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, and overall crop yield. Under the DST Core Support Program, around 30 biochar kilns were fabricated and distributed to selected farmers, NGOs, and self-help groups (SHGs) in Vilupuram, Cuddalore, Sivaganga, Karur, Dindigul, Dharmapuri, and Coimbatore. Additionally, training was provided to about seven individuals on biochar production and marketing to initiate entrepreneurship development. When applied as a soil amendment in crops such as brinjal, bhindi, maize, chilly, and black gram, biochar resulted in a 10-12% increase in yield, with water retention in biochar-treated fields ranging from 8-12%.

Category Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
Developed By Shri A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC)
Under SEED support? Yes
Current Status

Biochar is now used annually by over 3,000 farmers. MCRC has promoted it as an alternative to Urea, recommending a 1:1 mix of Urea and Biochar for paddy crops. This method has resulted in increased yields, lower watering requirements, and reduced Urea usage, resulting in cost savings. In FY 2023-24, more than 15,000 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, and Odisha have adopted this method, achieving higher income and savings. MCRC has also promoted local entrepreneurship by training farmers in biochar production, creating income-generation opportunities and fostering a decentralized model.

Concerned Person Name: Dr. P. Sugumaran
Phone: +91 7338736199
Email: sugumaranp@mcrc.murugappa.org
Keywords/Tags biochar, carbon, biomass, pyrolysis, carbonization, circular economy, soil amendment
Last Updated On 12-08-2024

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Technologies