💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (June Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

What is the use of biochar in farming

What is the use of biochar in farming?
1. ‘Biochar can be used as a part of the growing medium in vertical farming.
2. When biochar is a part of the growing medium, it promotes the growth of nitrogenfixing microorganisms.
3. When biochar is a part of the growing- medium, it enables the growing medium/to retain water for longer time.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)

1 and 2 only

(b)

2 only

(c)

1 and 3 only

(d)

1, 2 and 3

Answer:

(d)

CA

Explanation

Biochar has the potential to produce farm-based renewable energy in an eco-friendly way. Specifically, the quality of biochar depends on several factors, such as the type of soil, metal, and the raw material used for carbonization, the pyrolysis conditions, and the amount of biochar applied to the soil. In addition, the biochar amendment to the soil proved to be beneficial to improve soil quality and retain nutrients, thereby enhancing plant growth. Biochar application decreased the tensile strength of soil cores, indicating that the use of biochar can reduce the risk of soil compaction. A lot has already been discussed on the benefits of inoculation of rhizobacteria in soil, but the addition of biochar can also provide more nutrients to the soil, thus benefiting the agricultural crops. The mixing of the plant growth-promoting microorganisms with biochar was referred to as the best combination for growth and yield of French beans Therefore, all statements are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is (d).