Biochar Latest News
Studies have indicated that Biochar can improve crop productivity by 10% to 30% and water-holding capacity by 10% to 25%, particularly in soils low in nutrients.
About Biochar
- Biochar is made by heating agricultural waste in low-oxygen conditions.
- It offers a sustainable alternative to manage waste and capture carbon.
- It is granular material obtained by heating crop residue at 400°C to 600°C in a kiln-shaped structure in the absence of oxygen.
- Advantage of Biochar: It can hold carbon in the soil for 100-1,000 years due to its strong and stable characteristics, making it an effective long-term carbon sink.
Potential Applications of Biochar
- Agriculture: It can improve water retention, particularly in semi-dry and nutrient-depleted soils.
- Biochar is highly porous and contributes to aggregating soil particles, holding water and creating a suitable environment for microorganisms.
- Industries: In carbon capture applications, modified biochar can adsorb COâ‚‚ from industrial exhaust gases. However, its carbon removal efficiency is currently lower than that of conventional methods.
- Construction sector: Biochar can be explored as a low-carbon alternative to building materials and makes building materials a stable carbon sink.
- Wastewater Treatment: Biochar offers a low-cost and effective option to reduce pollution.
Source: TH
Last updated on August, 2026
→ UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th August 2026.
→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.
→ UPSC Mains Admit Card 2026 is now out.
→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.
→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.
→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.
→ Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-I 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-II 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-III 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-IV 2025, UPSC Mains English (Compulsory) Paper 2025, UPSC Mains Hindi (Qualifying) Paper 2025 here.
→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.
→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.
→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India
Biochar FAQs
Q1. What is biochar?+
Q2. What is the main environmental benefit of biochar?+
Tags: biochar prelims pointers upsc current affairs upsc prelims current affairs







