AbstractThe application of bio-char (charcoal or biomassderived black carbon (C)) to soil is proposed as a novel approach to establish a signicant, long-term, sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide in terrestrial ecosystems. Apart from positive effects in both reducing emissions and increasing the sequestration of greenhouse gases, the production of biochar and its application to soil will deliver immediate benets through improved soil fertility and increased crop production. Biochar has many important properties: high surface area with many functional groups, high nutrient content, and slow-release fertilizer. We discuss the influence of pyrolysis temperature, feedstock, pH, effect on different soil types.
Keyword: Bio-char; Ecosystems; Greenhouse gases; Fertilizer.