Abstract
In the context of global warming, major changes are expected in the worldwide energy matrix in the near future. Biomass, a renewable source, as a raw material for energy production, is fundamental in this process. By definition, biochar is any source of biomass previously heated in the absence or at low concentrations of oxygen with the purpose of application to the soil (Maia et al., 2011). The production of biomass for energy (biofuels) requires, above all, soil resources, in terms of occupied land and soil productivity. There are different ways of producing energy from biomass, and the resulting biochar may vary in its physical and chemical composition depending on the kind of biomass and on the conditions of pyrolysis. The technologies that produce biochar as the main product or byproduct of a pyrolysis process are the only ones, among the available biofuel technologies, that may contribute to the improvement or maintenance of soil properties, and, therefore, to the sustainable production of energy and food.
Highlights
It may take until 2020 for pyrolysis technologies to reach a large scale (Inman, 2012), they have the potential to impact sustainable soil management on regional levels
One valuable attempt to provide standards for biochar itself and to evaluate biochar-to-soil properties has recently been made by the International Biochar Initiative, which provided product definition and specification guidelines (International Biochar Initiative, 2012)
The safe use of biochar in agriculture and its effects on the environment demand further transdisciplinary studies on, for example, the possibility of producing biochar with desired properties for specific purposes and its characterization – including any potential toxicity, preferably in long-term field trials – to confirm its real agronomic and environmental effects and economic feasibility. This thematic issue of Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira contains nine original papers, one scientific note, and two special collaborations that were presented at the 3rd International Biochar Conference in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, September 9-12th, 2010
Summary
It may take until 2020 for pyrolysis technologies to reach a large scale (Inman, 2012), they have the potential to impact sustainable soil management on regional levels. The contribution of biochar as a soil amendment is currently being assessed as to two main aspects. One is related to its potential to enhance the productivity of agricultural systems and to combat land degradation by improving soil physical, biological, and chemical properties (Kookana et al, 2011).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
