1.2 Detalles de contacto de las personas de referencia e instituciones involucradas en la evaluación y la documentación de la Tecnología

Nombre del proyecto que financió la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

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

Nombre de la(s) institución(es) que facilitaron la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - Alemania

Nombre de la(s) institución(es) que facilitaron la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) - Kenia

Nombre de la(s) institución(es) que facilitaron la documentación/ evaluación de la Tecnología (si fuera relevante)

Ecociate Consultants (Ecociate Consultants) - India

1.3 Condiciones referidas al uso de datos documentados mediante WOCAT

El compilador y la/s persona(s) de referencia claves aceptan las condiciones acerca del uso de los datos documentados mediante WOCAT:

Sí

1.4 Declaración de la sostenibilidad de la Tecnología descrita

¿La Tecnología aquí descrita resulta problemática en relación a la degradación de la tierra, de tal forma que no puede considerársela una tecnología sostenible para el manejo de la tierra?

No

Comentarios:

The application of biochar to the soil is a technology that can prevent or reduce land degradation by improving soil health through the addition of organic matter, increase soil fertility and the water retention capacity of soils.

1.5 Referencia al (los) Cuestionario(s) de Enfoques MST (documentados usando WOCAT)

2.1 Breve descripción de la Tecnología

Definición de la Tecnología:

Biochar is a carbon-rich, solid material derived from a wide range of biomass or organic waste through a thermochemical method. It is an organic charcoal material that is the final product of pyrolysis, or high-temperature burning of agricultural biomass without oxygen. Surplus crop residues, agricultural waste, and wood from sustainable sources are used as feedstock (raw material). Such biochar production is linked with agroforestry plantation and agriculture to improve soil health and ensuring sustainable feedstock availability.

2.2 Descripción detallada de la Tecnología

Descripción:

Introduction and Background
Intensive cropping systems coupled with monocropping and high usage of synthetic fertilizers have led to the degradation of soils and depletion of nutrients directly affecting agricultural productivity and farmers' income. Farmers in the Balangir district of Odisha are facing similar challenges. To address these issues and promote sustainable farming practices, a biochar production initiative was introduced by utilizing crop residues and waste material from forests to produce biochar, a carbon-rich material that enhances soil fertility and soil structure. The initiative is a part of the Pro-Soil Project of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), India and implemented by the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF). The technology (a kiln for biochar production) and technical inputs for biochar production were sourced from the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal.
Biochar is a type of charcoal produced from biomass like agricultural or forest waste or organic materials through a process called pyrolysis. The application of sustainable biochar technology in agroforestry systems can lead to better soil structure, increased water retention, reduced nutrient leaching, and improved crop yields. Moreover, it aids in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by locking carbon into soil for an extended period.
In the project region farmers used crop residues such as rice straw, wheat straw and residue of other crops along with non-usable biomass from local forests, such as branches, twigs, and leaves, to supplement the feedstock for the pyrolysis. Since the District has large forest areas, the availability of forest waste is no problem. The biochar produced was applied into existing crops fields as well as into agroforestry system. Aiming to promote agroforestry, the project promoted the integration of trees (both fruits and timber) and shrubs into existing agricultural practices. Agroforestry offers multiple benefits such as improved soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. When sustainable biochar production is integrated into these systems, it can create a sustainable cycle where agricultural waste is converted into biochar, which then enhances soil fertility and sequesters carbon when added back into the soil.
The project has actively involved women farmers, entrepreneurial youth, and farmers' groups in the collection, production and application process of biochar thus promoting community participation and creating awareness about the benefits of biochar.

Implementation
The biochar kiln technology, obtained from the Indian Institute of Soil Science, in Bhopal, is employed to convert biomass into biochar through pyrolysis. This technology ensures efficient and controlled production of high-quality biochar. The collected biomass undergoes a controlled pyrolysis process inside the biochar kiln, where it is burned in the relative absence of oxygen. Technical specialization during production includes kiln temperature control, feedstock preparation, and the management of pyrolysis gases to ensure efficient biochar production. This results in the conversion of biomass into biochar, also leaving behind bioenergy-rich gases. Quality control measures are implemented to ensure the production of biochar with optimal characteristics, including high carbon content, porosity, and stability.
The Biochar kiln used was designed with the aim to optimize temperature control and ensure efficient conversion of biomass. An efficient loading mechanism allows easy and controlled feeding of biomass into the kiln. This ensures a consistent flow of material during the pyrolysis process. Although local kilns are usually not equipped with temperature control mechanisms to regulate the pyrolysis temperature, the temperature in the kilns may alternatively be regulated through the rate of feeding biomass into the kilns. Such kilns usually have some safety features and proper ventilation so to prevent accidents.

To implement this technology the ICRAF conducted training sessions for farmers on the proper preparation and application of biochar. The trainings were focused on the following aspects:
-The collection and drying process for agriculture and forest waste
-The management of operations for the biochar kiln including the loading of raw material (feedstock) into the kiln, its burning, operation-timing, period check, volumes of raw material to be fed etc.
-Precautions to be taken during the process
-The quality check of prepared biochar charcoal and the process for pulverizing it
-Dosage recommendations for different crops as per local conditions
-The mixing of biochar with cow dung and cow urine before application
-Integration with existing farming practices and the long-term benefits of biochar on soil health

Impact and Knowledge Transfer
The biochar acts as a soil conditioner, enhancing water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity. The benefits and impacts on improved fertility, increased water retention, and reduced nutrient leaching, lead to higher crop yields and resilience against climate variability, carbon sequestration aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change, and utilizing agricultural residues reduces air pollution from open burning and provides a sustainable solution for organic waste disposal. Land users appreciated the enhanced soil productivity and environmental benefits brought by biochar. Overall, the Sustainable Biochar Production Technology represents a promising approach in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

The project team, in collaboration with local agricultural extension services and the Indian Institute of Soil Science, monitored the impact of biochar application on soil health parameters. This involved regular soil testing, crop yield assessments and feedback from participating farmers. In fact, they also measured the impact of biochar made from different feedstock (raw materials). Success stories were shared with neighboring communities, public stakeholders and researchers and encouraged the further adoption of sustainable soil management practices.

The biochar production initiative in the Balangir District of Odisha in India demonstrates a sustainable approach to addressing soil health issues using locally available resources. Through the collaboration between ICRAF and GIZ, this project not only improves soil fertility but also empowers local communities by providing them with sustainable solutions for agricultural challenges. The success of this intervention serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at promoting environmentally friendly and community-driven approaches to agriculture.

2.3 Fotografías de la Tecnología

2.4 Videos de la Tecnología

2.5 País/ región/ lugares donde la Tecnología fue aplicada y que se hallan comprendidos por esta evaluación

2.6 Fecha de la implementación

Indique año de implementación:

2021

2.7 Introducción de la Tecnología

Especifique cómo se introdujo la Tecnología:

• durante experimentos/ investigación
• mediante proyectos/ intervenciones externas

Comentarios (tipo de proyecto, etc.):

Piloting best practices to produce biochar using diverse feedstock and its application

3.1 Propósito(s) principal(es) de la Tecnología MST

• mejorar la producción
• reducir, prevenir, restaurar la degradación del suelo
• conservar el ecosistema
• preservar/ mejorar biodiversidad
• adaptarse al cambio climático/ extremos climáticos y sus impactos
• crear impacto económico benéfico

3.2 Tipo(s) actuales de uso de la tierra donde se aplica la Tecnología

Mezcla de tipos de uso de tierras dentro de la misma unidad de tierras: :

No

3.3 ¿Cambió el uso de tierras debido a la implementación de la Tecnología?

¿Cambió el uso de tierras debido a la implementación de la Tecnología?

• No (Continúe con la pregunta 3.4)

3.4 Provisión de agua

Provisión de agua para la tierra donde se aplica la Tecnología:

• mixta de secano – irrigada

Comentarios:

Most farmers are cultivating in rainfed conditions while some also have irrigation facilities

3.5 Grupo MST al que pertenece la Tecnología

• cobertura de suelo/ vegetal mejorada
• cosecha de agua
• manejo de desperdicios/ manejo de aguas residuales

3.6 Medidas MST que componen la Tecnología

3.7 Principales tipos de degradación del suelo encarados con la Tecnología

3.8 Prevención, reducción o restauración de la degradación del suelo

Especifique la meta de la Tecnología con relación a la degradación de la tierra:

• reducir la degradación del suelo
• restaurar/ rehabilitar tierra severamente degradada

4.1 Dibujo técnico de la Tecnología

4.2 Información general sobre el cálculo de insumos y costos

Especifique cómo se calcularon los costos e insumos:

• por unidad de Tecnología

otra / moneda nacional (especifique):

INR

Si fuera relevante, indique la tasa de cambio de dólares americanos a la moneda local (ej. 1 U$ = 79.9 Reales Brasileros): 1 U$ =:

80,0

4.3 Actividades de establecimiento

	Actividad	Momento (estación)
1.	Purchase of biochar kiln unit	Can be done any time during the year but need to be ready before the month of September
2.	Purchase of pulveriser	Need to be purchased once and before the start of biochar production

Comentarios:

Both biochar kiln and pulveriser are fixed investments and can last up to 5 years

4.4 Costos e insumos necesarios para el establecimiento

	Especifique insumo	Unidad	Cantidad	Costos por unidad	Costos totales por insumo	% de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras
Equipo	Biochar Klin	Rs.	1,0	7000,0	7000,0
Equipo	Pulvariser unit	Rs.	1,0	20000,0	20000,0
Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología					27000,0
Costos totales para establecer la Tecnología en USD					337,5

Si el usuario de la tierra no cubrió el 100% de los costos, indique quién financió el resto del costo:

The project paid towards the fixed investment costs of biochar kiln and pulverizier unit

4.5 Actividades de establecimiento/ recurrentes

	Actividad	Momento/ frequencia
1.	Collecting the crop residues and forest waste	Needs to be collected and dried before the start of biochar production unit (September and June)
2.	Preparation of Biochar	Before the sowing of Rabi (winter) and Kharif (summer) seasons (Months of September/October and June/July)
3.	Application of biochar in the field	During the cropping season

Comentarios:

These activities may vary based on the cropping pattern and farmers' need of biochar application

4.6 Costos e insumos necesarios para actividades de mantenimiento/ recurrentes (por año)

	Especifique insumo	Unidad	Cantidad	Costos por unidad	Costos totales por insumo	% de los costos cubiertos por los usuarios de las tierras
Mano de obra	Preparation of biochar	Person-day	2,0	200,0	400,0	100,0
Mano de obra	Application of biochar in the field	Person-day	1,0	200,0	200,0	100,0
Fertilizantes y biocidas	Farmyard manure	Rs.	20,0	5,0	100,0	100,0
Fertilizantes y biocidas	Fertilizer	Rs.	50,0	7,0	350,0	100,0
Indique los costos totales para mantenecer la Tecnología					1050,0
Costos totales para mantener la Tecnología en USD					13,13

Comentarios:

The application of biochar was practiced by land users twice in a year, before sowing kharif and rabi crops. The amount of maintenance activities of the technology is count double for a year as farmers are practicing the biochar technology for two seasons in a year.

4.7 Factores más determinantes que afectan los costos:

Describa los factores más determinantes que afectan los costos:

The investment towards the purchase of the kiln- and the pulveriser unit. In the documented project, the investment costs were borne by the project. Therefore, smallholder farmers may find it difficult to purchase the hardware units of kiln and pulveriser, given such investment costs.

5.1 Clima

5.2 Topografía

Indique si la Tecnología se aplica específicamente en:

• no relevante

Comentarios y especificaciones adicionales sobre topografía :

Balangir District is divided into four Agro-Ecological situations (AES) and characterized by a hot dry summer and highly erratic rainfall distribution of south-west monsoon rains, i.e., (i) plain land irrigated, (ii) plain land rainfed (iii) undulating plain drought-prone and (iv) undulating sub-mountainous tract rainfed.
The altitude of the Bolangir district is 207 masl.

5.3 Suelos

Si se halla disponible, adjunte una descripción completa de los suelos o especifique la información disponible, por ej., tipo de suelo, pH/ acidez de suelo, capacidad de intercambio catiónico, nitrógeno, salinidad, etc. :

Mixed red and yellow soils occur as catenary associations in undulating and rolling terrains which differ in depth, texture, and color. Red and yellow soils are moderately shallow in depth and coarse-textured. Upland soils are shallower and lighter in texture than low-land soils.
Red and black soils are light to medium textured having neutral pH. These soils occur in mixed forms of both red & black soil together in which black soils occur in patches within the predominant red soils.
Black soils are mostly found in Puintala Block and in some parts of Loisingha Block. The soils are heavier in texture having clay content more than 30%. Clay minerals are predominant with smectites due to which deep cracks are seen to develop during summer.
Laterite soils are generally distributed in a few limited patches in the Balangir District. These soils are loamy sand to sandy loam in the surface having a hard clay pan in the subsoil. Crusting is a problem in upland literite.
Brown forest soils are mostly found in Khaprakhol, Tureikela, Bangomunda, Titilagarh, Saintala, and Gudvella Block. These soils are brown to grey-brown in color, light textured, and acidic in reaction.

5.4 Disponibilidad y calidad de agua

¿La salinidad del agua es un problema?

Sí

Especifique:

Balangir District falls within the Western Plateau and Hills Zone of Odisha, characterized by a semi-arid climate. The agro-climatic conditions include hot summers, limited rainfall, and erratic monsoons, which pose challenges for agriculture due to water scarcity. In many regions of Odisha, including Balangir, water salinity is a significant concern, especially in areas relying on groundwater sources.

¿Se está llevando a cabo la inundación del área? :

No

Comentarios y especificaciones adicionales sobre calidad y cantidad de agua:

The groundwater level at 3 meters below ground level in 2019 indicates water table that lies within 3-5 meters below ground level (m bgl) or less is considered shallow. This level often indicates good accessibility to groundwater, making it relatively easier for extraction using shallow wells or hand pumps.

5.5 Biodiversidad

Comentarios y especificaciones adicionales sobre biodiversidad:

The Odisha Government has declared the Gandhamardan Hill Range in Bargarh and Balangir Districts a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

5.6 Las características de los usuarios de la tierra que aplican la Tecnología

Indique otras características relevantes de los usuarios de las tierras:

There are a number of women self help groups and farmer producer organisations being formed in the district as part of Government programs

5.7 Área promedio de la tierra usada por usuarios de tierra que aplican la Tecnología

5.8 Tenencia de tierra, uso de tierra y derechos de uso de agua

Tenencia de tierra:

• individual, con título

Derechos de uso de tierra:

• individual

Derechos de uso de agua:

• comunitarios (organizado)
• individual

¿Los derechos del uso de la tierra se basan en un sistema legal tradicional?

No

Comentarios:

The majority of the farmers in the district are smallholder farmers with agriculture being mostly rained, except some areas with irrigation facilities from the nearby dam

5.9 Acceso a servicios e infraestructura

Comentarios:

The district is located in the interior parts of eastern India and considered as a backward district with poor access to infrastructure and other facilities

6.1 Impactos in situ demostrados por la Tecnología

Impactos socioeconómicos

Producción

Ingreso y costos

Impactos socioculturales

Impactos ecológicos

Ciclo de agua/ escurrimiento de sedimento

Suelo

Biodiversidad: vegetación, animales

Reducción de riesgos de desastres y riesgos climáticos

Especifique la evaluación de los impactos en el sitio (mediciones):

In the context of regions like Balangir, where salinity and soil loss are concerns, biochar's ability to improve soil structure and fertility without altering pH drastically could be beneficial. It helps mitigate soil erosion by enhancing soil health and resilience, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture practices in these challenging environments.

6.3 Exposición y sensibilidad de la Tecnología al cambio climático gradual y a extremos relacionados al clima/ desastres (desde la percepción de los usuarios de tierras)

Cambio climático gradual

Cambio climático gradual

	Estación	Incremento o reducción	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
temperatura anual		incrementó	moderadamente
temperatura estacional	verano	incrementó	moderadamente
lluvia anual		disminuyó	bien
lluvia estacional	estación húmeda/ de lluvias	disminuyó	moderadamente

Extremos (desastres) relacionados al clima

Desastres climatológicos

	¿Cómo es que la tecnología soporta esto?
sequía	moderadamente

Comentarios:

Overall biochar improves the soil health and helps soil to maintain the moisture thus it is better suited to some of the climatic conditions such as low rainfall, delayed rains etc. However in case of extreme climatic conditions, technology alone may not mitigate the impact.

6.4 Análisis costo-beneficio

¿Cómo se comparan los beneficios con los costos de establecimiento (desde la perspectiva de los usuarios de tierra)?

¿Cómo se comparan los beneficios con los costos de mantenimiento/ recurrentes (desde la perspectiva de los usuarios de tierra)?

Comentarios:

The benefits of technology to soil health, crop productivity and crop quality is much higher than the cost of establishment and maintenance

6.5 Adopción de la Tecnología

• casos individuales / experimentales

Si tiene la información disponible, cuantifique (número de hogares y/o área cubierta):

100

De todos quienes adoptaron la Tecnología, ¿cuántos lo hicieron espontáneamente, por ej. sin recibir nada de incentivos/ materiales:

• 0-10%

Comentarios:

It was mostly done as part of the PRO-SOIL PROJECT

6.6 Adaptación

¿La tecnología fue modificada recientemente para adaptarse a las condiciones cambiantes?

Sí

Si fuera así, indique a qué condiciones cambiantes se adaptó:

• disponibilidad de mano de obra (ej. debido a migración)

Especifique la adaptación de la Tecnología (diseño, material/ especies, etc.):

Refinements in pyrolysis methods and technologies to produce biochar with specific characteristics suited to diverse soil types and climate conditions. This includes adjusting temperature, duration, and feedstock to optimize biochar properties like porosity and water retention capacity. Innovations in application techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of biochar incorporation into agricultural systems. This involves exploring precision application methods, such as localized placement or mixing with organic amendments, to ensure better distribution and utilization of biochar in the root zone. Emphasis on integrating biochar technology into climate-smart agricultural practices, focusing on sustainable intensification while adapting to changing climatic conditions. This involves promoting practices that enhance resilience to drought, water conservation and soil fertility improvement.

6.7 Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades de la Tecnología

Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades desde la perspectiva del usuario de la tierra
The soil moisture, soil texture, water retention and water-holding capacity of the soil increases. The uptake of nutrients increases which leads to less application of fertilizers in the field
There was an increase in crop yield, straw yield, vegetative mass growth, more grains or fruits per plant, and fewer pests & disease attacks on the plants were noticed
The better use of crop residue from the field increase the soil fertility and promoted better crop growth

Fuerzas/ ventajas/ oportunidades desde la perspectiva del compilador o de otra persona de referencia clave
The use of biochar helps to combat the climate crisis by sequestering atmospheric carbon into soil as well as processing agricultural and other waste into useful clean energy
The application of biochar significantly changes the soil’s properties (texture, porosity, bulk density, particle density, surface area, pore size distribution, cation exchange capacity, pH, and water-holding capacity) which, directly influence plant growth
High porosity and a large surface area of biochar provide space for micro-organisms that are beneficial for the soil and help in binding important anions and cations, improving soil health and enhancing crop productivity
Reduced nitrous oxide and methane emissions when biochar is applied to the soil

6.8 Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos de la Tecnología y formas de sobreponerse a ellos

Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos desde la perspectiva del usuario de la tierra	¿Cómo sobreponerse a ellas?
Need large quantities of wood and crop residue for biochar production on a larger scale	A better planning for crop residue management and access to communities to collect forest waste from forest can easily address this problem Exploring alternative biomass sources like agricultural residues, crop waste, or dedicated energy crops can reduce reliance on wood or coconut shells, promoting sustainable sourcing. Also, advancements in pyrolysis technologies to optimize biochar production from smaller quantities of biomass, improving efficiency and reducing the overall demand.
Do not have knowledge about how this biochar can be sold in the market for additional income	Creating more awareness among the farmers about biochar will create a market demand for it. Conducting market assessments and creating awareness among potential buyers about the benefits of biochar for soil improvement, carbon sequestration, and agricultural productivity. Exploring the development of value-added products or applications derived from biochar, such as soil amendments, filtration systems, or compost blends, to diversify market opportunities.

Debilidades/ desventajas/ riesgos desde la perspectiva del compilador o de otra persona de referencia clave	¿Cómo sobreponerse a ellas?
The availability of suitable wood and coconut for biochar production can be limited, and there may be competition between biochar production and other uses of biomass, such as food and fuel production	The innovation in technology where biochar can be produced with lesser amount of feedstock will be a great solution
If not managed sustainably, the production of biomass feedstock for biochar can lead to deforestation or the conversion of natural ecosystems into monoculture plantations, which can have negative ecological consequences	The promotion of agro-forestry is important to ensure the availability of feed stock while also ensuring the increased coverage of forest. The training of land users and other stakeholders around sustainable biochar production.

7.1 Métodos/ fuentes de información

7.2 Vínculos a las publicaciones disponibles

Título, autor, año, ISBN:

IBI publication at International Biochar Initiative

¿Dónde se halla disponible? ¿Costo?

https://biochar-international.org/resources/ibi-publications/

7.3 Vínculos a la información relevante disponible en línea

Título/ descripción:

About Balangir District

URL:

https://balangir.nic.in/about-district/

Título/ descripción:

Water Resources of Balangir District (Minor Irrigation Division, Balangir)

URL:

https://balangir.nic.in/water-resources/

Título/ descripción:

Senior Geologist, Ground Water Survey & Investigation Division, Balangir

URL:

https://www.rtiodisha.gov.in/Pages/printAllManual/office_id:2710/lang:

7.4 Comentarios generales

This documentation not only follows the land user interview findings but also follows the results mentioned in the internal report after the experimentation