Engineered Biochar to Improve Environmental Sustainability.

Biochar, also known as “biomass-derived black carbon”, is a charcoal produced by the combustion of biomass in an oxygen-limited environment (pyrolysis). A number of studies have shown that the biochar technology can enhance the environmental sustainability. Our recent research has shown that combination of the biochar technology with other emerging technologies (e.g., bio- and nanotechnology) to make engineered biochar from agricultural residues may provide multiple benefits to the ecosystems, including improved productivity, sustainable management of agricultural resources, enhanced-value products, carbon neutral energy production, and carbon sequestration.  A variety of engineered biochars has been created in laboratory from carbon-rich agricultural residues, such as sugarcane bagasses, sugar beet residues, peanut hull, and animal waste at different procession conditions. Critical physicochemical properties that may influence the functions of the engineered biochars have been determined in laboratory. A range of laboratory and field experiments has been conducted to test the impact of nano-engineered biochars on agricultural sustainability, particularly with respect to soil and water quality. The results indicate that engineered biochars of agricultural origins may provide many opportunities to improve soil and environmental sustainability.