Biochar Technology and its Applications
Agriculture
- PYQs8
- Articles1
Background
Addresses critical issues like stubble burning, air pollution, soil degradation, climate change mitigation, farmer income, and sustainable agriculture practices, relevant for GS1 (Geography), GS3 (Agriculture, Environment, S&T).
Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced by heating biomass (like agricultural waste) in a low-oxygen environment (pyrolysis). It is highly stable and can sequester carbon in soil for long periods, while also improving soil health and agricultural productivity.
Facts & tables
- Production Method
- Made via pyrolysis of agricultural or organic waste in low-oxygen conditions.
- Composition & Properties
- Carbon-rich, highly porous material that breaks down slowly in soil.
- Agricultural Benefits
- Enhances soil organic carbon, water-holding capacity (10-25%), nutrient retention, microbial activity, and crop productivity (10-30%).
- Environmental Impact
- Carbon sequestration (carbon-negative solution), reduces greenhouse gas emissions from stubble burning and landfill methane.
| Aspect | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Soil Health | Increased organic carbon, water retention, nutrient availability |
| Crop Productivity | 10-30% improvement, enhanced resilience to stress |
| Climate Mitigation | Long-term carbon sequestration, reduced GHG emissions |
| Waste Management | Converts agricultural/urban waste into valuable resource |
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Agriculture |
| Conceptual area | Environment & Ecology |
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| IIT-Kharagpur | Research and development (kisan kiln) |
| International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) | Research and development |
Prelims angle
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
- Carbon-rich material from pyrolysis of biomass.
- Improves soil fertility, water retention, and crop yield.
- Key for carbon sequestration and reducing stubble burning.
- Supports circular economy and climate-resilient agriculture.
- Can be integrated with carbon credit mechanisms.
| Year | Framing tags |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding |
| 2021 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
| 2020 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2018 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2017 | Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures |
| 2015 | Cause and effect relationships, Multi-statement analysis |
| 2014 | Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding |
| 2013 | Factual recall, Conceptual understanding |
Timeline
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Agriculture
Conceptual area
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Environment & Ecology
Conceptual area
-
Prelims 2013
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2014
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2015
Cause and effect relationships, Multi-statement analysis
-
Prelims 2017
Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures
-
Prelims 2018
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2020
Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2021
Factual recall, Conceptual understanding
-
Prelims 2023
Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding
-
Biochar offers a way to turn India’s farm smoke into ‘black gold’
Biochar, produced from agricultural waste, offers a multi-faceted solution to India's environmental and agricultural challenges by improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and providing economic incentives for farmers.
See also
Past papers
2013–2023 · 8 questions
In the news
Biochar offers a way to turn India’s farm smoke into ‘black gold’
Biochar, produced from agricultural waste, offers a multi-faceted solution to India's environmental and agricultural challenges by improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and providing economic incentives for farmers.
Try these PYQs
With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements :
1. The high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural lands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect: High organic matter content in soil actually increases its water-holding capacity. Organic matter helps to bind soil particles together, creating pore spaces that can hold water. It acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture effectively. Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil plays a crucial role in the sulphur cycle. Soil contains various forms of sulfur compounds, including sulfates, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Microorganisms in the soil participate in the transformation of sulfur compounds through processes like mineralization and immobilization. Statement 3 is correct: Excessive or improper irrigation practices can lead to the salinization of agricultural lands. When irrigation water contains high levels of dissolved salts, and there is inadequate drainage, these salts can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to soil salinization. This can adversely affect crop growth and productivity. Therefore, among the given statements, only statement 3 is correct.
Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop?
Water efficiency of a crop refers to the amount of water required for its growth and development. Among the options provided, Sugarcane requires the highest amount of water for its growth, making it the least water-efficient crop. It needs around 1800-2200 mm of water per season. On the other hand, Sunflower requires about 672.4 mm/season, Pearl Millet being a drought-tolerant crop requires around 350 mm/season, and Red gram uses about 250-400 mm/season of water. Therefore, Sugarcane is the least water-efficient crop among the given options.
What can be the impact of excessive/inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture?
1. The proliferation of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil can occur.
2. Increase in the acidity of soil can take place
3. Leaching of nitrate to the ground-water can occur.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers actually reduces the need for nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the soil. Plants can readily utilize the added nitrogen, so these microbes wouldn't need to fix atmospheric nitrogen for the plants' benefit. Statement 2 is correct: Nitrogenous fertilizers can release acidic compounds as they break down in the soil, leading to increased soil acidity. Statement 3 is correct: When applied in excess, nitrogen fertilizers (especially nitrates) can be easily washed away by rain or irrigation water. This can contaminate groundwater sources.
What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is correct: Fertigation is a method of delivering fertilizers to crops through an irrigation system. It involves the precise application of water-soluble or liquid fertilizers directly to the root zone of plants during the irrigation process. This technique allows for the controlled release of nutrients, ensuring that plants receive the right amount at the right time.
Fertigation allows for the control of the pH of the irrigation water, which can be adjusted to the optimal level for nutrient absorption by the plants. Statement 2 is incorrect: While fertigation does allow for the efficient application of many types of fertilizers, rock phosphate is not water-soluble and therefore cannot be applied efficiently through fertigation. Statement 3 is correct: Because fertigation delivers nutrients directly to the root zone of plants, it increases the availability of nutrients to the plants. Statement 4 is correct: Fertigation allows for the precise application of nutrients, which reduces the risk of nutrient leaching. Therefore, options 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
Consider the following statements :
The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Out of the listed statements about the Soil Health Card Scheme : Statement 1 is Incorrect: Expanding the cultivable area under irrigation is not a primary objective of the scheme. Statement 2 is Incorrect: Banks don't directly use soil cards to assess loan quantum. Loan approvals depend on various factors like land ownership, crop type, and credit history. Statement 3 is Correct: A key objective of the scheme is to promote the judicious use of fertilisers. By informing farmers about their soil's nutrient status, the scheme encourages them to apply only the required amount of fertilisers, reducing overuse and potential environmental damage. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 only (checking the overuse of fertilisers in farmlands).Hence, option B is the correct answer.
Show 3 more PYQs
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : According to the United Nation's 'World Water Development Report, 2022', India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II :India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world's groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world's population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
* Statement 1 is correct. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2022, with an estimated 251 km3 annual withdrawal from an estimated 20 million wells and tube wells, India is the world's greatest groundwater user. This accounts for more than a quarter of the total groundwater extracted internationally. * Statement 2 is incorrect. India uses about 89% of this groundwater for irrigation. Major share of total groundwater extracted by India is utilised for irrigation purposes and not for drinking and sanitation purposes.
Contour bunding is a method of soil conservation used in
Contour Bunding is associated with terracing, to check the flow of water on a hill slope in order to reduce soil erosion. This method is crucial for preventing soil erosion and is a part of sustainable land management practices.
What is the significance of a practical approach to sugarcane production known as ‘Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative’?
1. Seed cost is very low in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
2. Drip irrigation can be practised very effectively in this.
3. There is no application of chemical/ inorganic fertilizers at all in this.
4. The scope for intercropping is more in this compared to the conventional method of cultivation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative is a method of sugarcane production that involves the use of less seeds , less water and optimum utilization of fertilizers and land to achieve more yields . The major principles that govern SSI are - Transplanting young seedlings (25-35 days old).
- Maintaining wide spacing (5X2 feet) in the main field.
- Providing sufficient moisture and avoiding inundation of water.
- Encouraging organic method of nutrient and plant protection measures.
- Practicing intercropping for effective utilization of land.
- NPK (fertilizers) can be applied at the rate of 112 kg, 25 kg, and 48 kg per acre, respectively, through inorganic or organic methods. Hence statement 3 is wrong, this eliminates A, C, and D.