Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolysis, plays a pivotal role in carbon sequestration and reducing carbon footprint. Its effectiveness depends on the fixed carbon content, which measures the non-volatile carbon within the biochar. Higher fixed carbon content indicates greater resistance to biological and chemical degradation, allowing biochar to remain stable in the soil for extended periods, thereby capturing and storing carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting long-term carbon sequestration
Biochar’s effectiveness in carbon sequestration and reducing carbon footprint largely depends on the fixed carbon content into biochar. Higher non-volatile carbon content indicates greater resistance to biological and chemical degradation, allowing biochar to remain stable in the soil for extended periods, thus effectively sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
For example, biochar derived from lignocellulosic biomass through pyrolysis at high temperatures in end of pyrolysis has enhanced recalcitrant carbon content and a developed pores structure, contributing to a higher resistance to decomposition (active link 1) (active link 2). The carbon content in biochar varies depending on pyrolysis temperature of the biochar and residence time during the pyrolysis process, see table 1 (active link). A higher end pyrolysis temperature generally leads to lower yields of biochar, but produces biochar with greater organic carbon content and a more developed surface area (active link).
Biochar has been used as a soil conditioner to stabilize carbon, improve soil fertility, and enhance plant growth. Its use in soil can help sequester carbon for hundreds or even thousands of years, with a negative carbon-loop impact on the carbon cycle (active link). Additionally, applying biochar to soil can reduce the emission of toxic gases, further contributing to a lower carbon footprint (active link).
