FAQs
How many kilograms of average biochar is needed to sequester 1 MTCO2e per year?
The amount of biomass biochar needed to sequester 1 metric tonne of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e) per year can vary significantly depending on the type of biomass, the pyrolysis conditions, and the carbon content of the biochar. On average, biochar contains about 50% carbon by weight.
It’s also worth noting that biochar is a kind of charcoal produced by burning biomass (organic material) in a low-oxygen environment, a process known as pyrolysis1. This process converts the carbon in the biomass to a form that resists decay. When the charcoal is buried or added to soils, most of the carbon can remain in the charcoal or soil for decades to centuries, given the right conditions1.
When biochar is added to the soil, it sequesters carbon by converting atmospheric CO2 into a stable form of soil carbon that can last for hundreds to thousands of years. Each kilogram of biochar carbon added to the soil represents about 3.67 kilograms of CO2 that has been removed from the atmosphere (since the molecular weight of CO2 is 44 and the molecular weight of carbon is 12, the ratio is approximately 3.67:1).
So, if we want to sequester 1 MTCO2e (or 1,000 kg of CO2) in a year, we would need approximately 272 kg of carbon in the form of biochar (1000/3.67).
However, since biochar is about 50% carbon, we would actually need to produce about 544 kg of biochar (272/0.5) to sequester 1 MTCO2e in a year.
These numbers are approximate and the actual amount may vary based on a number of factors, including the specific properties of the biochar and how it is used.
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How many kilograms of agri biomass waste biochar is generally used on 1 acre of farmland?
The amount of biochar used can vary greatly depending on the specific needs of the soil and the crops being grown. Here are some general guidelines:
- Biochar is commonly recommended at no more than 10 tons per acre in field crop production1.
- Some research shows that properly prepared, intelligently applied biochar has dramatic effects on soil structure and plant growth at as little as 500 pounds per acre2.
- In a specific study, biochar was applied at 8 ton/acre3.
- A biochar application rate calculator shows that a 10 ton/acre application rate will achieve 0.58% OM equivalent4.
Please note that these are general guidelines and the actual amount can vary. It’s always best to consult with an agricultural professional or your local extension office for help selecting and applying biochar.
To convert tons to kilograms, you can multiply the number of tons by 907.185. So, for example, 10 tons per acre would be approximately 9071.85 kilograms per acre.
What are the most common crop residues produced in Southeast Asian Farms?
The most common crop residues produced in Southeast Asian farms are:
- Rice straw and rice husk: Rice is a staple food in Southeast Asia, and its cultivation results in significant amounts of straw and husk residues12.
- Sugarcane tops and leaves: Sugarcane is widely grown in the region, and the tops and leaves that remain after harvest are a major source of agricultural waste1.
- Maize stover: Maize, or corn, is another common crop, and the leaves, stalks, and cobs left after harvest are known as maize stover12.
- Oil palm residues: In countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, oil palm cultivation is widespread, leading to significant amounts of residues2.
- Banana residues: These are also mentioned as a primary source of agricultural waste1.
These residues can be used for various purposes such as animal feed, bedding material for cattle, residue incorporation and mulching, domestic fuel, compost making, and more3. However, improper management of these residues can lead to environmental issues such as air pollution4.
If 1000 kilograms of biochar with 75% pure carbon content where added to farmland, how many MTCO2e would be sequestered into the farmland soil?
If you have 1000 kilograms of biochar with 75% pure carbon content, that means you have 750 kilograms of pure carbon.
Given the earlier estimate that around 250 kilograms of pure carbon in the form of biochar is required to sequester 1 metric ton of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e) per year, you can calculate the amount of CO2 sequestered by 750 kilograms of pure carbon as follows:
750 kg / 250 kg per MTCO2e = 3 MTCO2e
So, approximately 3 metric tons of CO2 equivalent would be sequestered into the farmland soil after the first year. Please note that this is a rough estimate and actual results can vary based on specific circumstances.