Effect of high and low rank char on soil quality and carbon sequestration

Bio-char has a potential to actively reduce the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and enhance the sustainability of agriculture. In present investigation, bio-char (less carbonization) considered as low rank char and charcoal (more carbonization) considered as high rank char were taken for assessment of soil carbon sequestration and as enhancer of soil properties (soil organic matter, available potassium and phosphorus, urease activity, and microbial population). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were applied on the data set. Study suggests that carbon sequestration is highest with high rank char, however, low rank char can improve the quality of soil more. Hence, bio-char used for soil amendment and carbon sequestration may have rational proportion of condensed ring and oxygenated functional groups.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Charcoal is taken as low rank char (more carbonization). ► Bio-char is taken as low rank char (less carbonization). ► The molar oxygen to carbon distribution in bio-char and charcoal is 0.39 and 0.05. ► Carbon sequestration is highest with high rank char. ► Low rank char can improve the quality of soil more.