Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: Biochar is a fine-grained, carbon enriched product created\nwhen biomass (e.g. wood waste, manures) is bumed at relatively\nlow temperatures (less than 1300°F) and under an anoxic (lack of\noxygen) atmosphere. The process itself is called pyrolysis and is\nsimilar to the production of charcoal, yet the intent is generally to\ncreate biofuel with the concomitant production of the secondary\nproduct, biochar.\n\n\nBenefits of biochar addition to soils are recognized. Arnazonian\ndark earth soils, also known as terra preta, are charcoalenriched\nsoils containing a high nutrient content from reduced leaching,\nlikely a response of human-induced biochar accumulation.\nThese soils, dating to between 450 BC and 950 AD, are unique to the Amazon region, as most tropical\nsoils are highly weathered and thus\ngenerally infertile.
Authors: Jim Ippolito, R.D. Lentz
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2441605780