Biochar application (Chiara Pituello)
Biochar is a fine-grained charcoal, rich in refractory organic carbon compounds. Biochar is produced from pyrolysis of plant and waste feedstock, i.e. during thermal decomposition of biomass in partial or total absence of oxygen. As a soil amendment, biochar can favour a long-term stabilisation of carbon stocks, serving as a net withdrawal of atmospheric carbon dioxide. From an agronomic point of view, high organic carbon input from biochar can enhance the nutrient and water retention capacity of the amended soil, reducing the total fertilizer requirements.
Purpose of the Technology: Therefore, the application of biochar is proposed as a strategy to reduce the climate and environmental impact of cropland systems as well as improve the soil quality by enhancing its physical-chemical characteristics.
Establishment / maintenance activities and inputs: Due to high recalcitrance of its C compounds, fine-grained biochar can be applied occasionally in the field, although its long-term effect is still being studied. High doses of biochar can be distributed (e.g. > 10 t C ha-1) just before ploughing in order to favour its incorporation, mixing and interaction with soil particles.
Natural / human environment: Potentially, the high stability of biochar C-compounds favours a reduction of GHG emissions by increasing the soil carbon stocks. Potentially, the soil can benefit from biochar application by improving its structure, the water retention capacity and finally the nutrient cycling. Nevertheless, it must be underlined that such technique is still in its infancy and needs testing before it is widespread as an agricultural practice. Although the biochar costs of production are not available, it must be noted that, due to the occasional application, the management costs would be low.
Lugar: Veneto region, Italy, Italia
No. de sitios de Tecnología analizados: un solo sitio
Difusión de la Tecnología: distribuida parejamente sobre un área (approx. < 0.1 km2 (10 ha))
¿En un área de protección permanente?:
Fecha de la implementación:
Tipo de introducción
| Especifique insumo | Unidad | Cantidad | Costos por unidad (€) | Costos totales por insumo (€) | % de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras |
| Otros | |||||
| Biochar 20t | ha | 1,0 | 6000,0 | 6000,0 | 100,0 |
| Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología | 6'000.0 | ||||
| Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología en USD | 7'500.0 | ||||
So far the technology is in its infancy and improvements in livelihoods and human well-being are still not conceivable
