Utilization of biochar derived from chick pea straw to enhance the properties of black cotton soil

Abstract

Burning of agriculture crop residue is a major environmental issue in developing countries, as it produces air pollution and has negative effect on both soil properties and human health. To tackle this problem, fixed-bed pyrolizer was used to produce chickpea straw biochar (CPSB) at 500 °C from CPS. Adsorption characteristics of CPSB were utilized to improve the characteristics of expansive black cotton soil (BCS). 4 %, 8 %, 12 %, and 16 % of this CPSB were added to the BCS. After 28 days, significant effects on its pH, specific gravity, exchangeable particles, plasticity index and maximum dry density were revealed for addition of 4 % CPSB. Improved plasticity index and maximum dry density had a positive effect on the shear strength of the soil. Thus, it is a cost effectively and statistically (F test at 5 % level of significant) significant method for managing CPS and improving soil physiochemical properties, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gases emissions.