A recent study by Datta et al., published in the journal Current Research in Environmental Sustainability has explored the potential of 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 India. The authors highlight the environmental consequences of post-harvest crop residue burning, a common practice in India, particularly in the northwestern states. Burning crop residue contributes to air pollution, nutrient loss, and the release of harmful greenhouse gases.  

The study investigated the spatial variation of surplus crop residues from ten major crops across India. They found the highest potential for rice residue biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More in Sangrur, Punjab. The authors estimate that converting these surplus residues into biochar could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 405 Tg annually and sequester 7.5 Tg of carbon in the soil.   The study also considers the competition between biochar production and other crop residue management technologies, such as biofuel production and direct soil incorporation. The authors recommend a life cycle assessment to determine the most sustainable approach for managing crop residues in different regions of India.  

This research suggests that biochar offers a potential solution to the environmental challenges associated with crop residue burning in India. By transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, biochar could contribute to climate change mitigation and soil health improvement.  

SOURCE: Datta, A., Dutta, S., Sharma, S., & Rahman, M. (2025). Spatial variation of biochar production potential from surplus crop residues in India. Current Research in Environmental Sustainability, 9, 100279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsust.2025.100279