From Waste to Wealth: Biochar as a Sustainable Soil Conditioner for Resilient Agriculture in India

Declining soil organic matter (SOM) is harming soil health quality across India, particularly in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where over 90% of soils have critically low SOM levels (<2%). This depletes soil structure, reduces moisture retention, disrupts nutrient cycling, and diminishes microbial biomass, thereby increasing erosion and greenhouse gas emissions. Biochar, a stable carbon-rich material from biomass pyrolysis, enhances SOM by improving soil porosity, water retention, nutrient use, and supporting beneficial microbes. Field trials with biochar in paddy, pearl millet, and onion show improved emergence (+15%) and crop growth. Biochar combined with compost or fertilizers boosts yields, reduces chemical fertilizer use by 20–40%, and aids carbon sequestration. Large-scale conversion of crop residue to biochar in India can generate significant carbon credits and rural income. Standardized biochar quality frameworks are essential to ensure consistent benefits and environmental safety, offering a sustainable solution to restore degraded soils and support climate-resilient agriculture in India. However, India’s biochar potential remains underutilised due to low stakeholder awareness, limited market incentives, and technological dependence. Absence of standardisation, inadequate infrastructure, and policy uncertainty further constrain adoption. Strengthening domestic production capacity, harmonising certification standards, and integrating biochar into agricultural policy are critical to achieving sustainable soil and carbon management.