1.2 Detalhes do contato das pessoas capacitadas e instituições envolvidas na avaliação e documentação da tecnologia

Nome do projeto que facilitou a documentação/avaliação da Tecnologia (se relevante)

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

Nome da(s) instituição(ões) que facilitou(ram) a documentação/ avaliação da Tecnologia (se relevante)

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (GIZ) - Alemanha

Nome da(s) instituição(ões) que facilitou(ram) a documentação/ avaliação da Tecnologia (se relevante)

International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) - Quênia

Nome da(s) instituição(ões) que facilitou(ram) a documentação/ avaliação da Tecnologia (se relevante)

Ecociate Consultants (Ecociate Consultants) - Índia

1.3 Condições em relação ao uso da informação documentada através de WOCAT

O/a compilador/a e a(s) pessoa(s) capacitada(s) aceitam as condições relativas ao uso de dados documentados através da WOCAT:

Sim

1.4 Declaração de sustentabilidade da tecnologia descrita

A tecnologia descrita aqui é problemática em relação a degradação da terra de forma que não pode ser declarada uma tecnologia de gestão sustentável de terra?

Não

Comentários:

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 Referência ao(s) questionário(s) sobre abordagens GST (documentado(s) usando WOCAT)

2.1 Descrição curta da tecnologia

Definição da tecnologia:

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 Descrição detalhada da tecnologia

Descrição:

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 Fotos da tecnologia

2.4 Vídeos da tecnologia

2.5 País/região/locais onde a tecnologia foi aplicada e que estão cobertos nesta avaliação

2.6 Data da implementação

Indique o ano de implementação:

2021

2.7 Introdução da tecnologia

Especifique como a tecnologia foi introduzida:

• durante experiências/ pesquisa
• através de projetos/intervenções externas

Comentários (tipos de projeto, etc.):

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

3.1 Principal/principais finalidade(s) da tecnologia

• Melhora a produção
• Reduz, previne, recupera a degradação do solo
• Preserva ecossistema
• Preservar/melhorar a biodiversidade
• Adaptar a mudanças climáticas/extremos e seus impactos
• Criar impacto econômico benéfico

3.2 Tipo(s) atualizado(s) de uso da terra onde a tecnologia foi aplicada

Uso do solo misturado dentro da mesma unidade de terra:

Não

3.3 O uso do solo mudou devido à implementação da Tecnologia?

O uso do solo mudou devido à implementação da Tecnologia?

• Não (Continuar com a pergunta 3.4)

3.4 Abastecimento de água

Abastecimento de água para a terra na qual a tecnologia é aplicada:

• Misto de precipitação natural-irrigado

Comentários:

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

3.5 Grupo de GST ao qual pertence a tecnologia

• Solo/cobertura vegetal melhorada
• Coleta de água
• Gestão de resíduos/gestão de águas residuais

3.6 Medidas de GST contendo a tecnologia

3.7 Principais tipos de degradação da terra abordados pela tecnologia

3.8 Redução, prevenção ou recuperação da degradação do solo

Especifique o objetivo da tecnologia em relação a degradação da terra:

• Reduzir a degradação do solo
• Recuperar/reabilitar solo severamente degradado

4.1 Desenho técnico da tecnologia

4.2 Informação geral em relação ao cálculo de entradas e custos

Especifique como custos e entradas foram calculados:

• Por unidade de tecnologia

Outro/moeda nacional (especifique):

INR

Se for relevante, indique a taxa de câmbio do USD para moeda local (por exemplo, 1 USD = 79,9 Real): 1 USD =:

80,0

4.3 Atividades de implantação

	Atividade	Periodicidade (estação do ano)
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

Comentários:

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

4.4 Custos e entradas necessárias para a implantação

	Especifique a entrada	Unidade	Quantidade	Custos por unidade	Custos totais por entrada	% dos custos arcados pelos usuários da terra
Equipamento	Biochar Klin	Rs.	1,0	7000,0	7000,0
Equipamento	Pulvariser unit	Rs.	1,0	20000,0	20000,0
Custos totais para a implantação da tecnologia					27000,0
Custos totais para o estabelecimento da Tecnologia em USD					337,5

Se o usuário da terra arca com menos que 100% dos custos, indique quem cobre os custos remanescentes:

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

4.5 Atividades recorrentes/manutenção

	Atividade	Periodicidade/frequência
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

Comentários:

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

4.6 Custos e entradas necessárias pata a manutenção/atividades recorrentes (por ano)

	Especifique a entrada	Unidade	Quantidade	Custos por unidade	Custos totais por entrada	% dos custos arcados pelos usuários da terra
Mão-de-obra	Preparation of biochar	Person-day	2,0	200,0	400,0	100,0
Mão-de-obra	Application of biochar in the field	Person-day	1,0	200,0	200,0	100,0
Fertilizantes e biocidas	Farmyard manure	Rs.	20,0	5,0	100,0	100,0
Fertilizantes e biocidas	Fertilizer	Rs.	50,0	7,0	350,0	100,0
Custos totais para a manutenção da tecnologia					1050,0
Custos totais de manutenção da Tecnologia em USD					13,13

Comentários:

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 Fatores mais importantes que afetam os custos

Descreva os fatores mais determinantes que afetam os custos:

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 Topografia

Indique se a tecnologia é aplicada especificamente em:

• Não relevante

Comentários e outras especificações sobre a topografia:

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 Solos

Caso disponível anexe a descrição completa do solo ou especifique as informações disponíveis, p. ex. tipo de solo, PH/acidez do solo, nitrogênio, capacidade de troca catiônica, salinidade, 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 Disponibilidade e qualidade de água

A salinidade da água é um problema?

Sim

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.

Ocorre inundação da área?

Não

Comentários e outras especificações sobre a qualidade e a quantidade da água:

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 Biodiversidade

Comentários e outras especificações sobre biodiversidade:

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

5.6 Características dos usuários da terra que utilizam a tecnologia

Indique outras características relevantes dos usuários da terra:

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 média de terrenos utilizados pelos usuários de terrenos que aplicam a Tecnologia

5.8 Propriedade de terra, direitos de uso da terra e de uso da água

Propriedade da terra:

• Indivíduo, intitulado

Direitos do uso da terra:

• Indivíduo

Direitos do uso da água:

• Comunitário (organizado)
• Indivíduo

Os direitos de uso da terra são baseados em um sistema jurídico tradicional?

Não

Comentários:

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 Acesso a serviços e infraestrutura

Comentários:

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 no local mostrados pela tecnologia

Impactos socioeconômicos

Produção

Renda e custos

Impactos socioculturais

Impactos ecológicos

Ciclo hídrico/escoamento

Solo

Biodiversidade: vegetação, animais

Clima e redução de riscos de desastre

Especificar a avaliação dos impactos no local (medidas):

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 Exposição e sensibilidade da tecnologia às mudanças climáticas graduais e extremos/desastres relacionados ao clima (conforme o ponto de vista dos usuários da terra)

Mudança climática gradual

Mudança climática gradual

	Estação do ano	aumento ou diminuição	Como a tecnologia lida com isso?
Temperatura anual		aumento	moderadamente
Temperatura sazonal	verão	aumento	moderadamente
Precipitação pluviométrica anual		redução/diminuição	bem
Precipitação pluviométrica sazonal	estação úmida/das chuvas	redução/diminuição	moderadamente

Extremos (desastres) relacionados ao clima

Desastres climatológicos

	Como a tecnologia lida com isso?
Seca	moderadamente

Comentários:

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 Análise do custo-benefício

Como os benefícios se comparam aos custos de implantação (do ponto de vista dos usuários da terra)?

Como os benefícios se comparam aos custos recorrentes/de manutenção(do ponto de vista dos usuários da terra)?

Comentários:

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

6.5 Adoção da tecnologia

• casos isolados/experimental

Se disponível, determine a quantidade (número de unidades familiares e/ou área abordada):

100

De todos aqueles que adotaram a Tecnologia, quantos o fizeram espontaneamente, ou seja, sem receber nenhum incentivo/ pagamento material?

• 0-10%

Comentários:

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

6.6 Adaptação

A tecnologia foi recentemente modificada para adaptar-se as condições variáveis?

Sim

Caso afirmativo, indique as condições variáveis as quais ela foi adaptada:

• Disponibilidade de mão-de-obra (p. ex. devido à migração)

Especifique a adaptação da tecnologia (desenho, material/espécie, 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 Pontos fortes/vantagens/oportunidades da tecnologia

Pontos fortes/vantagens/oportunidades na visão do usuário da terra
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

Pontos fortes/vantagens/oportunidades na visão do/a compilador/a ou de outra pessoa capacitada
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 Pontos fracos, desvantagens/riscos da tecnologia e formas de superá-los

Pontos fracos/desvantagens/riscos na visão do usuário da terra	Como eles podem ser superados?
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.

Pontos fracos/vantagens/riscos na visão do/a compilador/a ou de outra pessoa capacitada	Como eles podem ser superados?
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/fontes de informação

7.2 Referências às publicações disponíveis

Título, autor, ano, ISBN:

IBI publication at International Biochar Initiative

Disponível de onde? Custos?

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

7.3 Links para informações on-line relevantes

Título/ descrição:

About Balangir District

URL:

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

Título/ descrição:

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

URL:

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

Título/ descrição:

Senior Geologist, Ground Water Survey & Investigation Division, Balangir

URL:

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

7.4 Comentários gerais

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