Sanja Panić and her colleagues’ recent work, published in Environmental Technology & Innovation (2025), explores 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 production from Serbia’s abundant waste 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. Their research examines its characteristics and potential applications in sustainable sectors, offering a roadmap for transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

The study analyzes biochar derived from various biomass sources, including agricultural residues (wheat straw, corn cob, soybean straw), brewer’s spent grain, and woody materials like beech and oak sawdust. Using slow 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 researchers explored how feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More type and pyrolysis temperature influenced biochar’s composition, structure, and functionality.

Key findings highlight biochar’s versatility: it enhances soil health by improving 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 balance, nutrient retention, and water-holding capacity while also serving as an excellent carbon sequestration tool. Woody-derived biochar exhibited higher carbon content and stability, making it ideal for long-term soil enrichment. Non-woody biochar showed promise in providing nutrients for crops and improving soil microbial activity. In addition to soil applications, the study emphasizes biochar’s potential in water treatment, renewable energy, and as an additive in animal feed and anaerobic digestion processes. These applications align with Serbia’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance renewable energy use, and combat soil degradation.

This research underscores biochar’s role as a multifaceted solution to environmental challenges, promoting sustainable development in Serbia and beyond.

SOURCE: Panić, S., Đurišić-Mladenović, N., Petronijević, M., Stijepović, I., Milanović, M., Kozma, G., & Kukovecz, Á. (2025). Valorization of waste biomass towards biochar production: Characterization and perspectives for sustainable applications in Serbia. Environmental Technology & Innovation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2025.104043