Biochar production potential of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) crop residues and its physico-chemical characterization

Carbon rich biochar is created by pyrolyzing plant wastes under controlled conditions. Biochar applied to soil improves soil health and enhance plant growth. Research found that biochar offers a promising solution for removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. When biochar is added to soils, carbon can be stored in the soil for centuries and possibly millennia. In 2022–23, research was carried out at the ICAR-IIMR in Hyderabad to assess the pearl millet stover's biochar-making potential and characterise physical and chemical properties of biochar produced in this manner. The pearl millet stover was pyrolyzed after it had been at 400 °C for an hour. Later the biochar was analysed for various physical and chemical properties. The research indicates that the pearl millet stover has a 40.01% biochar conversion ratio. The bulk density and particle density of pearl millet biochar are 0.19 and 0.55 g/cc, respectively, while its porosity and water holding capacity are 65.46% and 596%. Pearl millet biochar was found to have a considerably alkaline nature (pH: 10.07) with an EC value of 2.06 dS/m. Hence, owing to its reliable properties biochar can significantly improves soil physical and chemical properties which enhances soil health and good plant establishment.