In a recent study published in the SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics, V.R. Triyanti et al. explored the effectiveness of modified biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More in reducing mercury uptake in rice plants grown in contaminated soils. The research focused on finding a solution to the problem of mercury-contaminated rice fields, particularly in the Mandailing Natal Regency of Indonesia, where unlicensed gold mining operations have led to significant pollution.  

The authors highlight that mercury contamination in rice production poses a substantial health risk, as rice is a major source of mercury exposure for billions of people worldwide. In the affected region of Indonesia, mercury levels in rice fields have been found to exceed the standard quality threshold significantly. To address this issue, the study investigated the use of biochar, a material known for its ability to adsorb and stabilize mercury, thus reducing its uptake in plants.  

This research is centered on modified biochar derived from coconut shells, an abundant resource in the study area. The biochar was modified with different substances—Fe3O4, FeSO4, and dolomite—and produced at two different pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More temperatures (350°C and 550°C) to evaluate their impact on mercury reduction and rice production. Three rice cultivars with varying tolerances to mercury stress (IF-16, Inpari-32, and Ciherang) were included in the study.  

The key findings of the study indicate that biochar modifications with Fe3O4, FeSO4, and dolomite can effectively reduce the mercury content in rice grains to below the standard quality threshold. Notably, the IF-16 cultivar, when combined with Fe3O4-modified biochar, demonstrated the most significant results, increasing rice production by 80.1% while also lowering mercury content in the grains. This suggests that modified biochar can simultaneously enhance crop yield and mitigate the risk of mercury contamination in rice.  

The study also observed the number of tillers, flowering age, and harvest age of the rice plants. Biochar treatments, in general, increased the number of tillers compared to the control group (without biochar), indicating improved plant growth in contaminated soil.  

In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into using modified biochar to address mercury contamination in rice production. The findings suggest that modified biochar, particularly when combined with specific rice cultivars, can offer a sustainable solution for increasing rice yield while minimizing mercury accumulation in grains, thus ensuring food safety and supporting agricultural productivity in contaminated regions.  

Source: Triyanti VR, Rosmayati, Basyuni M, Damanik RIM (2025). Modified biochar’s role in increasing rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production. SABRAO J. Breed. Genet. 57(2): 740-751.