A recent study published in Waste and 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 Valorization by Arumugam Balusamy et al. explores 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 derived from waste biomass in the Eastern Himalayan region of India to enhance soil properties and crop yield. The research highlights the positive impacts of biochar, produced from pine wood residue, maize stalk, and mixed weeds, on soil health and French bean production.

The study details the production of biochar from three types of biomass: pine wood residue (PRB), maize stalk (MSB), and mixed weed biomass (MWB). The biochar was produced through a two-step process involving carbonization and 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. The resulting biochars exhibited varying physico-chemical properties. Notably, PRB was acidic, while MSB and MWB were alkaline.

The application of biochar to soil at different rates (0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha-1) showed significant effects on soil properties. Alkaline biochars (MSB and MWB) increased soil pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More, which is particularly beneficial for the acidic soils prevalent in the Eastern Himalayan region. Biochar application also improved soil moisture retention and increased soil organic carbon content, with MWB showing the most substantial improvements.

The study demonstrated that biochar application significantly enhanced French bean yield. The most pronounced effect was observed with MWB, likely due to its ability to improve soil pH, moisture retention, and organic carbon content. The characterization of biochar revealed important insights into its properties. For instance, the biochars varied in surface area and pore volume, which influence their interaction with soil and water. Microscopic analyses further illustrated differences in biochar structures and elemental compositions.

The study concludes that biochar, particularly from mixed weed and maize stalk biomass, is effective in improving soil health and enhancing crop yield in the Eastern Himalayan region. The findings suggest that biochar production from local biomass can be a sustainable strategy for soil management and agricultural productivity.

SOURCE : Balusamy, A., Layek, J., Hazarika, S., Thangavel, R., Krishnappa, R., Narzari, R., Singh, H. J., Devi, M. H., Choudhury, B. U., Kumar, A., & Mishra, V. K. (2025). Harnessing the Valorization Potential of Waste Biomass of Eastern Himalaya, India Through Biochar: Physico-Chemical Cum Morphological Insights and Effect on Soil Properties and Crop Yield. Waste and Biomass Valorization.