1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Soil protection and rehabilitation for food security (ProSo(i)l)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

GIZ India (GIZ India) - India

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Alliance Bioversity and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (Alliance Bioversity-CIAT) - Kenya

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Ecociate Consultants (Ecociate Consultants) - India

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

Comments:

The technology described here is the application of biochar on homestead land. This technology positively impacts soil health and crop production.

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Biochar is a carbon-rich solid formed from the organic residue by pyrolysis. Biochar is a stable, highly water and nutrient-retentive product that benefits microorganisms and has a very high carbon sequestration potential. Farmers in the project area have applied it to their homesteads or kitchen gardens.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Biochar, a sustainable soil amendment, is produced through pyrolysis, where organic matter such as wood or agricultural waste is heated in a closed container under low-oxygen conditions. Applying biochar to soil has numerous benefits for improving soil health, such as enhancing soil fertility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil microbiology, and reducing soil erosion. One of the most significant benefits of biochar is its ability to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide into the soil, which can help mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Biochar can also remove contaminants from soil and water and serve as a compost component.

Biochar also reduces the emission of ammonia and carbon dioxide (Cabeza et al. 2018), lowers soil compactness, optimizes compost (Liang et al. 2010), improves water retention and the sorption of heavy metals, increases the availability of micronutrients for plants and increases the pH of soils (Van Zwieten et al. 2010). Biochar also stimulates the growth of rhizosphere microorganisms and mycorrhizal fungi (Głuszek et al. 2017). These bacteria and fungi may also promote plant growth (Compant et al. 2010). The pH values of biochars are positively correlated with the formation of carbonates and the contents of inorganic alkalis (Ding et al. 2014). The pH value of biochar ranges from 6.5 to 10.8. It is advisable to test the pH values of both soils and biochar to reach at the optimal quantity of biochar to be applied in the field.

In the Mandla district, agriculture is the backbone of the economy, and farmers are constantly adopting new farming technologies to increase their agricultural production. One such technology that has positively impacted more than a thousand farmers in the region is the application of biochar in homestead land under a GIZ-funded Soil protection and rehabilitation of degraded soil for food security in India (ProSoil) program. Biochar in this region is prepared using low cost Biochar Kiln units developed by Indian council of agriculture research institutions, traditional methods, such as digging soil pits and burning organic residue while covering its top with soil. Since the Mandla district is a high-rainfall region, most farmers broadcast biochar over their fields before growing rabi (winter) crops. Commonly grown rabi crops in this region are mustard, vegetables, and maize.

Farmers in the Mandla district use small units of biochar production. The recovery rate of biochar is 20%, with a capacity of 100kg of organic material. The application rate per unit area varies from farmer to farmer.
1. Landholding: Farmers with more extensive land holdings or generally rotationally applied biochar in the parcels.
2. The intervention of biochar application was introduced in this region in 2020. The new practice is evolving, and the application rate of biochar varies from farmer to farmer depending on the availability of raw materials and labour availability (family/hired)

The most suitable biochar application rate is 10 − 20 t/ha. Moreover, it is essential to consider the compatibility and complementarity between biochar, soil texture, and management factors such as Nitrogen (N) application rate, pH values and growing environment into consideration (Yang Gao et al., 2021). More scientific studies are needed to define the quantity of biochar needed based on the local soil conditions. However, the current quantity of applications is very low compared to suggested in secondary documents.

The immediate effects of biochar application on crop production have been significant, with farmers reporting an increase in crop yield by 20-25% across most crops. Simple indicators such as increased grain weight and improved grain quality imply that the crop produced is of higher quality. Another critical benefit highlighted by farmers of biochar application is the retention of soil moisture over a longer duration compared to non-treated fields. Biochar can help the farmers of the Mandla district increase their agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable land use practices.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2020

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• during experiments/ research
• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The application of biochar for improving soil health and crop production was introduced in this region through the GIZ-funded program

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• improve production
• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation
• conserve ecosystem
• mitigate climate change and its impacts
• create beneficial economic impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

Yes

Specify mixed land use (crops/ grazing/ trees):

• Agroforestry

Comments:

As per the district census handbook of Mandla District 2001, the land use pattern of Mandla District is: 61% - under forest area, 21% - cropped area, 5% - not available for cultivation, 7% - under fallow land, and 2% - cultivable area. The net area irrigated is 7% of the net area sown, which has hardly increased in recent times (~9%).

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

Comments:

There has been no change in land use pattern due to project interventions.

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

Mandla has nearly 9% of its net sown area irrigated. The homestead land, where biochar is applied during the rabi season, has some irrigation from surface- or groundwater sources.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• agroforestry
• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• integrated soil fertility management

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

The application of biochar in the field has improved the water-holding capacity of the soil along with enhanced microbial activities. This has resulted in better and long-duration vegetation as farmers are in position to cultivate vegetables throughout the year.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Biochar acts as soil amendment which helps in improving soil health and status of nutrients in the soil. Some studies have also suggested increase in soil organic carbon as a result of biochar application. Farmers in the project area were also advised to reduce the tillage practices to minimise the soil disturbance.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• prevent land degradation
• reduce land degradation

Comments:

Prior to the application of biochar, farmers were applying synthetic fertilisers and pesticide which was degrading the land. The replacement of synthetic fertilisers with Biochar (also FYM and cow urine mixed with it) has prevented further soil degradation.

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology area

other/ national currency (specify):

INR

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

82.5

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Purchase of Biochar Kiln Unit	Once in 4-5 years

Comments:

Since it's a seasonal activity there are not many activities which can be categorised here.

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Equipment	Biochar Kiln unit	Number	1.0	9000.0	9000.0	10.0
Equipment	Transportation	LS	1.0	2000.0	2000.0	10.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					11000.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					133.33

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

Project has financially supported the local environment committes in purchase and setting up of the Biochar Kiln units

Comments:

Biochar is prepared by a low-cost method:
1. Using Soil pit kiln - Human Labor cost is usually applied as no capital cost is involved in this method.
2. Using Portable Kiln - Its cost generally range from 12000 -14000 Rs if purchased from the ICAR institutions and their associated fabricators. Sometimes farmers also get it made from the local fabricators which cost Rs 4000-6000

Refer to the following Study: Biochar production from Lantana camara (invasive species);-

https://qcat.wocat.net/en/wocat/technologies/view/technologies_6690/

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Preparation of Biochar using the Lantana Camara	After the monsoon season (September)
2.	Preparing the biochar for application by mixing it with cow dung and cow urine	During Rabi Season (Oct-Nov)
3.	Application of Biochar in homestead land	During Rabi Season (Oct-Nov)

Comments:

A low-cost method of biochar preparation (traditional soil pit or portable kiln method) is used for biochar preparation. Due to simplicity in design, barely any cost is involved in the maintenance of the unit.

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Transportation of biomass and its drying before biochar production	Person-day	2.0	200.0	400.0	100.0
Labour	Preparation of Biochar by family members	Person-day	2.0	200.0	400.0	100.0
Labour	Mixing biochar with cow dung and cow urine and making it ready for the application	Person-day	1.0	200.0	200.0	100.0
Labour	Biochar Application	Person-day	1.0	200.0	200.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Biomass for Biochar production (Approximate)		1.0	500.0	500.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Cow dung	kg	20.0	5.0	100.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Cow urine	kg	20.0	5.0	100.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					1900.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					23.03

Comments:

A majority of the cost mentioned here is an opportunity cost for the farmers as they do manage all these expenses internally with available family labour and input materials such as cow dung, cow urine biomass etc.

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

The primary factor affecting the cost is the labor cost for applying biochar to the field and the easy availability of biomass/crop residues/Lantana for biochar production

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Mandla District is hilly and forested (Satpura hill range) and highly undulating with a narrow strip of cultivated plains in the valley portion of the river and rivulet. The plateau is in the northern part, formed by basalt and east-west trending hills in the southern part. The highest elevation is 934m ASL in the northern region, and the lowest elevation is around 400m ASL.

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

The soils in the area are generally clayey loam types with sandy loam soil in some areas. In the northern and central parts of the District, the undulating plateau with mounds is covered with slightly deep soil. Regarding the classification of ‘Soils of the World,’ the soils of Mandla are characterized as ‘brown earth.’ These types of soils have developed from granite gneiss and quartzite schist complexes.

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

No

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

The pre-monsoon groundwater level in the area ranges from 3 to 14 meters below ground level. (District at Glance, Mandla, Central Ground Water Board, 2013). The locations have a river flowing close to the area; however, access to the surface and sub-surface water is a primary concern. Basaltic lava flows of the Deccan trap underlie the Mandla District. All blocks of the district including project block Bichhiya are categorized as safe blocks. The net groundwater availability in the district is 53779 hectare meters (ham), and the groundwater draft for all uses is 8205 ham, making the Stage of Groundwater Development 15% as a whole for the district. The area's topography, soil, and geology do not let water remain for long durations, causing water scarcity in summer. The irrigation facilities are poor and limited to areas adjoining dams and canals.

5.5 Biodiversity

Comments and further specifications on biodiversity:

The area is surrounded by the Kanha National Park and Phen Wildlife Sanctuary, with a good presence of forest area. Thus biodiversity is outstanding. Ecological assessment report in Mandla (where this Technology is applied) showed improved biodiversity on common lands under village governance compared to open-access or commons under government ownership. On average, the Shannon diversity index (https://www.statology.org/shannon-diversity-index/) of managed common lands was 1.45 compared to 0.42 for the open access or ungoverned commons. Most of the sites under open access lands are infested by Lantana camara, which is the main reason for the lower biomass and diversity of the ungoverned grounds. More information about the biodiversity in Mandla can be read through the following link.

https://mpsbb.mp.gov.in/completedProject/MB.pdf

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

A large majority of the user belonging to the tribal community, including some households from an ethnic community called Baiga.

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• communal/ village
• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• individual

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)
• individual

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Specify:

The concerned authorities have issued landowners the land certificates.

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

Comments:

Over the years, there has been a development focus from both the Government and other civil society organizations to bring out the facilities at the door of communities, which has improved access of different facilities.

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Soil

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

Specify assessment of on-site impacts (measurements):

All the indicated impact measures are based on discussions with farmers, implementing agencies and other stakeholders. These were reported as per their observations, eye estimations and approximation.

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

Specify assessment of off-site impacts (measurements):

The scale of implementation is not large enough to have an ecosystem level impact

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
other gradual climate change	When biochar is added to soil, it can sequester carbon in the form of stable organic matter, which can remain in the soil for hundreds or even thousands of years. This carbon sequestration can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thereby mitigating climate change.	decrease	well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

Comments:

The benefits as indicated above are much higher than the cost involved. More importantly cost is too less as all the resources are being managed internally by the farmers.

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 1-10%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

More than 3000 farmers

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Increase crop production
Improve the quality of farm produce
Improve soil water holding capacity

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Improved soil health
Mitigate climate change
Increase in soil nutrient content
Reduction in cost of inputs

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Manual labor is required for the preparation of biochar	Innovating/adopting automation in biochar preparation
Decentralized preparation of biochar	Developing enterprise for selling cost-effective biochar in a localized manner

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Limited understanding of standardization of biochar quality and rate of application	Conducting more research studies and documenting experiences of farmers

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Significance of biochar application to the environment and economy, Babalola Aisosa Onia,⁎, Olubukola Oziegbeb, Obembe O. Olawole

Available from where? Costs?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aoas.2019.12.006

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Impacts of biochar application on upland agriculture: A review, Kumuduni Niroshika Palansooriyaa,1, Yong Sik Oka,1, Yasser Mahmoud Awada, Sang Soo Leeb, Jwa-Kyung Sungc, Agamemnon Koutsospyrosd, Deok Hyun Moone

Available from where? Costs?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.12.085

Title, author, year, ISBN:

The role of biochar and biochar-compost in improving soil quality and crop performance: A review, Getachew Agegnehua,⁎, A.K. Srivastavab, Michael I. Birda

Available from where? Costs?

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.06.008

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Biochar physicochemical properties: pyrolysis temperature and feedstock kind effects

Available from where? Costs?

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11157-020-09523-3

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

District at glance - Mandla

URL:

http://cgwb.gov.in/District_Profile/MP/Mandla.pdf

Title/ description:

District Census Handbook Mandla

URL:

http://lsi.gov.in:8081/jspui/bitstream/123456789/2097/1/38136_2001_MAN.pdf