Use of Biochar for the production of Biofertilizers

Abstract

Biofertilizers enhance plant growth and promote sustainable agriculture. Agricultural waste, can be processed into biochar through biomass pyrolysis. This project produced biochar from sawdust at various pyrolysis temperatures (300, 400, and 500°C) and durations (3, 4, and 5h), assessed biochar phytotoxicity on barley seedling. Biochar produced at 300°C for 3 hours was used to formulate two biofertilizer solid and liquid. The effectiveness of these biofertilizer was tested on barley and peas. Biochar significantly improved germination rates and plant growth parameters without showing phytotoxicity. Both biofetrilizers showed an improvement of growth of barley and pea due to enhanced water retention and nutrient availability from biochar and biofertilizers. Barley showed more improved growth parameters compared to pea. Overall, the use of biochar as biofertilizers offers sustainable improvements in agricultural productivity. In conclusion, biochar presents a promising sustainable agricultural practice that can be used for enhancing soil and plant health