ABSTRACT
Biochar from the pyrolysis of organic biomass is a highly porous carbon with many useful applications. While providing practical options for disposal and disease control, it also contributes to carbon sequestration by trapping carbon in plant biomass. The composition and structure of biochar depends on factors such as temperature, heating rate and production time. It also leads to bio-oil and biogas, which can be used for biochar production, electricity generation and the production of various chemicals. Incorporating biochar into the soil improves pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, cation exchange capacity and microbial activity.It reduces nutrient leakage and all necessary fertilizers reduce environmental pollution. Biochar also plays an important role in crop improvement. Besides improving the soil, biochar also has the advantage of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing pesticide use and being used in the construction, cosmetics and treatment, wastewater and food industries. India is rich in biomass resources and has great potential for biochar production. This study explores various production technologies, their effects on biochar energy and the benefits of using biochar.
ABSTRACT
A study was conducted in mid hill region of Rajouri district, J&K, India to analyze the impact lockdown amid covid-19 pandemic on weather parameters. Day and night temperature readings were recorded fortnightly from 1st March to 30th June 2020 from maximum and minimum thermometer, rainfall values from ordinary rain gauge, and soil temperature at different depth from soil thermometers and values were compared with data from 2017-2019 and normal. After analyzing the data statistically using “Descriptive statistics” in MS-Excel 2010, it was observed that within the period of lockdown, the change in day temperature was -6.66% from normal mean value, however night temperature was least affected as it changes 10.33% and rainfall pattern was 19.27% more from normal mean value. The average change in soil temperature in morning at 5 cm, 10 cm and 20 cm depth in lockdown was -4.65%, 3.74% and 2.65% as compared to year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) mean value and the change in soil temperature in evening at same depths was -5.14%, -11.30% and 0.3% from year 2019 (1st March to 30th June) depicting a slow change in values. With the significant sustainable pattern observed in day and soil temperature parameters and rainfall it can be concluded that lockdown might be an effective tool in reducing speed of climate change in future.